While sitting in my back yard get away, it struck me. Rising up from my soul, came an answer to my dilemma, “what am I to do with this child?” I felt like I had hit a wall on almost every dimension. You know the spider Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web? Out of Determination and futility I have become like Charlotte, versatile; being able to move easily in any direction. Over the course of three days I had more and more peace about the decision to home school #5.
This goes against just about every autism educator and physician’s beliefs. Children on the Spectrum need socialization and inclusion. True. In this case it is a bit different. My #5, going into the 5th grade, has a complex set of diagnosis; Asperger’s, Tourettes, ADHD, OCD, SI (of course), and ODD. Now, the dynamics which ensues is as if observing a match of Asperger’s -vs -Tourettes. In his case the behavior problems which typically accompany Tourettes out matches that of the socialization challenges of the Asperger’s. I felt that if left in public school, he would be eventually either or both expelled from school, be slapped in a behavior development class, or wind up in a juvenile detention center. Not to speak of the fact that I had had it with trying to substitute teach receiving calls on numerous occasions about his behavior or what they had to do to discipline him or that I needed to go pick him up. This combined with my sophomore’s needs with the same set of diagnosis minus ODD, and a couple of other family dilemmas. My anxiety quirks were then acting up.
Although he has had a plethora of educators and medications which have indeed helped, my back was up against a wall. He simply could not be allowed to go to the Teepee and snuggle in the squishy blanket, which by the way would be in the back of his regular education 5th grade class room. He could not be allowed to go to the autism resource room when he was contrary. He could not be exposed to the ridicule of his classmates, who then had come to know what set him off and naturally ostracized him. At the end of 4th grade he was not even allowed on the playgrounds with the other children. Understandably so, after tying a life skills student to the tether ball pole, attacking a boy at the request of a young damsel, and pulling a girl down to the ground by her hood strings for ignoring him. Requesting and receiving a one on one was impossible without a court order and not good for him either. He needs to learn how to interact on his own.
Now, in all fairness, I must elaborate. What do you do with a child such as this in a class of 27? You take one or two children on the spectrum in a regular class and it is impossible to teach to the normally developing children as needed and give the challenged ones the help they need. As a teacher, I understand this. And being such, I was completely torn. Also, as being such, I knew I could teach to his level on all subjects and work on BEHAVIOR as public schools could legally not! We had a couple of other ways to help with socializing such as church related groups and activities. Group sports was out, after trying t-ball three different years, YMCA basketball, group swimming lessons, and blushingly, Upward soccer, of which the very first practice he ran after, tackled, and began punching a boy who had kicked the ball leading into his shin too hard.
After a full year of having Him at home, he has progressed in behavior by a milestone. The worst thing that has happened is he accidently said a curse word in children’s church. Of course this was the worst one you could say in a church setting. I believe, in his case, I have finally given him what he needs, my aattention, after loosing his father to cancer at age five, and a chance to forget that he can do the above things to get out of work, and an impulsive answer to social dilemmas.
We will do home school again this year. Hopefully, he will be ready for public school as a 7th grader. We do have hurdles to leap in the area of math after missing one and a half years of school because of being in a fully contained autism room at the end of 1st and all of 2nd grade. Luckily his autism teacher figured him out. He had learned if he acted like he couldn't do it, he could get out of his work. Now, he is on the spectrum without doubt, just not as far down as once thought. He is on a 7th grade reading level, has a surprising memory, and is very imaginative and loving. I plan to push him to the point of maximum resistance, as learned from his psychologist last year, and as I have unknowingly done since his birth.
Realizing that not all parents have the ability or luxury of such a decision, my heart goes out to all who struggle with these challenges. I definitely do not have all the answers. I just believe that all doors need to be left accessible in the world of autism. There is no cure all for these disorders and no child is alike. Never give up. There is always one more thing to try. And, there are thousands of us out here to share and to comfort.
*This title is a spin of of Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue."
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Dear World,
Dear world,
The following information is beneficial to the understanding and validity of my writings, whether in this blog or elsewhere. Public and individual insights, self help for those inflicted and affected, and of course, education in the form of entetainment, are my goals for this blog. I hope this will help readers gain knowledge and understanding of the complexity of Tourette Syndrome and Asperger's Syndrome. Neurological disorders and disabilities, especially the strange and bizarre, provoke some of the most ignored misundertandings and social prejudices. The treatment is unbiased education and compassion.
The stories in this blog are non-fiction, and to the best of my ability and recollection, true to their happenings. I will admit, sometimes I am a little dramatic and release this through words. Toward the dream stated above,with the permission of my family and I believe, my God, I open my mind, my heart, and share my-self and family, from my world to your world and with the World.
Of importance concerning Tourette syndrome:
Tic: A repetitive movement that is difficult, if not impossible, to control. Tics can affect any group of muscles. The most common are facial tics, such as eye-blinking, nose twitching, or grimacing. Tics that affect the muscles used to produce speech are known as vocal tics, and can range from grunts or whistles to the repetition of complete words or phrases. Complex motor tics involve multiple, sequenced movements and can include behaviors such as twirling in place, tapping a certain number of times, or stooping to touch the ground. Tics are believed to arise in differences in or damage to the basal ganglia, a structure deep within the brain that controls automatic movements and that also affects impulsivity.
Definitions from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/)
Coprolalia: Coprolalia is involuntary swearing or the involuntary utterance of obscene words or socially inappropriate and derogatory remarks. Coprolalia comes from the Greek κόπρος (kopros) meaning "faeces" and λαλία (lalia) from lalein, "to talk".[1] The term is often used as a clinomorphism, with 'compulsive profanity' inaccurately referred to as being Tourette syndrome.
Related terms are copropraxia, performing obscene or forbidden gestures, and coprographia, making obscene writings or drawings.
Characteristics:
Coprolalia encompasses words and phrases that are culturally taboo or generally unsuitable for acceptable social use, when used out of context. The term is not used to describe contextual swearing. It is usually expressed out of social or emotional context, and may be spoken in a louder tone or different cadence or pitch than normal conversation. It can be a single word, or complex phrases. A person with coprolalia may repeat the word mentally rather than saying it out loud; these subvocalizations can be very distressing.[4]
Coprolalia is an occasional characteristic of Tourette syndrome, although it is not required for a diagnosis of Tourette's. In Tourette syndrome, compulsive swearing can be uncontrollable and undesired by the person uttering the phrases. Involuntary outbursts, such as racial or ethnic slurs in the company of those most offended by such remarks, can be particularly embarrassing. The phrases uttered by a person with coprolalia do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of the person.[4]
Cases of deaf Tourette patients swearing in sign language have been described,[5][6] showing that coprolalia is not just a consequence of the short and sudden sound pattern of many swear words.[7]
Coprolalia is also a rare symptom of other psychiatric disorders,[8] such as Lesch-Nyhan syndrome
Definitions from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/)
Copropraxia:
The involuntary display of unacceptable/obscene gestures.
Mentioned in: Tourette Syndrome
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Copropraxia
Copropraxia is involuntarily performing obscene or forbidden gestures. Copropraxia comes from the Greek κόπρος meaning "feces" and πράξις meaning "action". Copropraxia is a rare characteristic of Tourette syndrome.
Definitions from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/)
Tourette syndrome or Georges Gilles de la Tourette syndrome:
Tourette syndrome (TS) is an inherited disorder of the nervous system, characterized by a variable expression of unwanted movements and noises (tics).
For more on Tourette's, such as description, causes and symptoms, definitions, associated symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, and medications, please visit:
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Tourette+Syndrome
The following information is beneficial to the understanding and validity of my writings, whether in this blog or elsewhere. Public and individual insights, self help for those inflicted and affected, and of course, education in the form of entetainment, are my goals for this blog. I hope this will help readers gain knowledge and understanding of the complexity of Tourette Syndrome and Asperger's Syndrome. Neurological disorders and disabilities, especially the strange and bizarre, provoke some of the most ignored misundertandings and social prejudices. The treatment is unbiased education and compassion.
The stories in this blog are non-fiction, and to the best of my ability and recollection, true to their happenings. I will admit, sometimes I am a little dramatic and release this through words. Toward the dream stated above,with the permission of my family and I believe, my God, I open my mind, my heart, and share my-self and family, from my world to your world and with the World.
Of importance concerning Tourette syndrome:
Tic: A repetitive movement that is difficult, if not impossible, to control. Tics can affect any group of muscles. The most common are facial tics, such as eye-blinking, nose twitching, or grimacing. Tics that affect the muscles used to produce speech are known as vocal tics, and can range from grunts or whistles to the repetition of complete words or phrases. Complex motor tics involve multiple, sequenced movements and can include behaviors such as twirling in place, tapping a certain number of times, or stooping to touch the ground. Tics are believed to arise in differences in or damage to the basal ganglia, a structure deep within the brain that controls automatic movements and that also affects impulsivity.
Definitions from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/)
Coprolalia: Coprolalia is involuntary swearing or the involuntary utterance of obscene words or socially inappropriate and derogatory remarks. Coprolalia comes from the Greek κόπρος (kopros) meaning "faeces" and λαλία (lalia) from lalein, "to talk".[1] The term is often used as a clinomorphism, with 'compulsive profanity' inaccurately referred to as being Tourette syndrome.
Related terms are copropraxia, performing obscene or forbidden gestures, and coprographia, making obscene writings or drawings.
Characteristics:
Coprolalia encompasses words and phrases that are culturally taboo or generally unsuitable for acceptable social use, when used out of context. The term is not used to describe contextual swearing. It is usually expressed out of social or emotional context, and may be spoken in a louder tone or different cadence or pitch than normal conversation. It can be a single word, or complex phrases. A person with coprolalia may repeat the word mentally rather than saying it out loud; these subvocalizations can be very distressing.[4]
Coprolalia is an occasional characteristic of Tourette syndrome, although it is not required for a diagnosis of Tourette's. In Tourette syndrome, compulsive swearing can be uncontrollable and undesired by the person uttering the phrases. Involuntary outbursts, such as racial or ethnic slurs in the company of those most offended by such remarks, can be particularly embarrassing. The phrases uttered by a person with coprolalia do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of the person.[4]
Cases of deaf Tourette patients swearing in sign language have been described,[5][6] showing that coprolalia is not just a consequence of the short and sudden sound pattern of many swear words.[7]
Coprolalia is also a rare symptom of other psychiatric disorders,[8] such as Lesch-Nyhan syndrome
Definitions from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/)
Copropraxia:
The involuntary display of unacceptable/obscene gestures.
Mentioned in: Tourette Syndrome
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Copropraxia
Copropraxia is involuntarily performing obscene or forbidden gestures. Copropraxia comes from the Greek κόπρος meaning "feces" and πράξις meaning "action". Copropraxia is a rare characteristic of Tourette syndrome.
Definitions from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/)
Tourette syndrome or Georges Gilles de la Tourette syndrome:
Tourette syndrome (TS) is an inherited disorder of the nervous system, characterized by a variable expression of unwanted movements and noises (tics).
For more on Tourette's, such as description, causes and symptoms, definitions, associated symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, and medications, please visit:
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Tourette+Syndrome
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Holy bad genes
’"God Damn it, son of a bitch, up yours! Motherfucker." My father could be heard saying the likes on any given morning while enjoying his coffee and cigarette. The typical arm and hand motions accompanying corresponding phrases and intermittently sprinkled with cheek tics, growls, and snarling of lip included. Usually this was ignored in my family. We were not afraid of him, well, maybe in a God fearing way. This was just Daddy.
Occasionally I would humorously ask, “What parishioner are you referring to now, Daddy?” A United Methodist preacher since age 21, he usually wasn’t even aware he had spoken into the physical world. In fact, according to him, he wasn't even thinking of anyone. From time to time these obscenities could be heard echoing the church halls from his office. But, never during a sermon! Only some stuttering of a, a, a. One of his very good friends tried to enlighten him as to what he might suffer from, back in the 80’s.
He did not accept the possibility of having Tourette syndrome until 2006, a few years after my #2 son, Todd, developed a rather explosive case of motor and vocal tics and a touch ofcoprolalia at the lage of 22. Not all people with Tourette syndrome, named after a French Doctor, Gilles de la Tourette, have corprolalia, as once thought, only about 10% do. However, genetic inheritance is not as gracious. Girls have a 50 % chance of inheriting the gene and boys a whopping 99%.* In my opinion, this syndrome, especially the sometimes associated coprolalia and corpropraxia, is one of the most misunderstood.
One day while riding in the car, my pastor’s wife, at that time, of a Southern Baptist church, offered her suspicion that Tourette’s was some sort of demonic possession or influence. Well, let me tell ya, “I am not closed minded and pondered the thought, at least for a few seconds.” However, I realized this was a very difficult syndrome for anyone to understand, much less, someone hyper socially aware, well practiced in self discipline, use to living in well defined narrow boundaries, and who has to think and problem solve most everything in spiritual terms, respectfully. In 1992, I was aware that only one of my then, four children had Tourette’s. Let alone, not yet realizing my-self or my father had ever showed signs of abnormal social behavior Surprisingly, if you live with and in something your whole life, it seems normal. This is the way we were.
Now, in 2009, all five children have the diagnoses, some with diverse mixes of other maladies. However, my first child’s case was much more severe. Therefore, it was magnified and recognized first. Years later, after my fourth child presented symptoms, I began to really understand Tourette’s genetic dynamics and its associated coprolalia, vocal tics of socially inappropriate words and racial slurs. Corpropraxia, a complex motor tic of sexual and social inappropriatness, is also a strange one to understand. I believe these might be a little more complex. Given, I am still learning.
At age four, my #4 began blinking, grimacing, and making some noises. I took him to a pediatric neurologist. He believed he was normal. He did not show any signs during the visit. There is always the chance it might develop later. After playing with and following him around for around one hour, he did tell me that #4 pwas an artist, be warned, and that he will want to experience everything.
A series of events may have led to the development of or premature development of more complex and violent tics. Immediately after we moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, #4, age 5 developed a violent head throwing tic. I took him to another pediatric neurologist for help.. I was afraid he would break his neck. This was not a new tic to me. My oldest and first diagnosed, had this same tic from about the same age. He would often sprain his neck, couldn’t move it due to pain and stiff muscles, but still be ticing. But, #4’s scared me. Bad words started just after he turned six.
In 1999, during Gretchen’s, child #3’s birthday party, it began. Upon excitement, #4 would blurt out socially unacceptable words, as though he had verbal incontinence. He was six when this began. This happened more often in a room with other children. However these words were not vile obscenities associated with demon possession or demonic persuasion. You know why, because he had not been exposed to them, so they weren’t there in his brain to recall! Having older brothers, of course he had been exposed to the word fuck. This was the worst. Todd, child number two, although experiencing mild head moving amd rolling, and eye blinking tics, had not presented this type of tic, yet, and #1 my first born, had a wee bit of corpropraxia, but never coprolalia. So, #4 could not be mimicing many bad words. He had only been around my father twice. Mostly, He tic’md words like pooh pooh and pee pee, oh, and the previously mentioned ‘f’ word above. Sometimes he uttered silly irrelevant words, ridiculous questions, statements, or informational phrases. Luckily, I haven’t heard anything resembling coprolalia in over one year, fingers crossed.
Some of my children have been treated with medications and some not at all. I now firmly believe my father self treated with coffee and ciggarettes. Daddy was a christian man. At age 19 he had accepted Jesus as his savior and followed Him. I am thinking of the kid's song "O be careful little eyes what you see, O be careful little ears what you hear..." I suppose this is a relevant story toward wathching what you see and hear.
Reading this may offend some readers. I would like to explain. These neurological disorders respect no one. They do not discriminate. There are no boundaries, no sacred place. No place is safe from their social taboos. Without this education, society is often, understandably too quick to judge, claim an incorrect verdict, and fork over an unforgiving and discriminating sentence. Many afflicted, either themselves or as family members, struggle to remain standing and to keep running the race. God has blessed me with humor to cope, understanding to forgive, and a passion for challenges to find solutions and persevere. May He bless all who desire, the same. Also, may He bless you with encouragement and boldness to stand and persue your goals. Still, sometimes, I feel like I am going through an obstacle course, Doing a two step dance, one step up and two steps back, uphill. Occasionally my toes are stepped on and sometimes I flat outright fall. Rise up and walk, run and keep running. This is our reality, our world.
*http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Tourette+Syndrome
Occasionally I would humorously ask, “What parishioner are you referring to now, Daddy?” A United Methodist preacher since age 21, he usually wasn’t even aware he had spoken into the physical world. In fact, according to him, he wasn't even thinking of anyone. From time to time these obscenities could be heard echoing the church halls from his office. But, never during a sermon! Only some stuttering of a, a, a. One of his very good friends tried to enlighten him as to what he might suffer from, back in the 80’s.
He did not accept the possibility of having Tourette syndrome until 2006, a few years after my #2 son, Todd, developed a rather explosive case of motor and vocal tics and a touch ofcoprolalia at the lage of 22. Not all people with Tourette syndrome, named after a French Doctor, Gilles de la Tourette, have corprolalia, as once thought, only about 10% do. However, genetic inheritance is not as gracious. Girls have a 50 % chance of inheriting the gene and boys a whopping 99%.* In my opinion, this syndrome, especially the sometimes associated coprolalia and corpropraxia, is one of the most misunderstood.
One day while riding in the car, my pastor’s wife, at that time, of a Southern Baptist church, offered her suspicion that Tourette’s was some sort of demonic possession or influence. Well, let me tell ya, “I am not closed minded and pondered the thought, at least for a few seconds.” However, I realized this was a very difficult syndrome for anyone to understand, much less, someone hyper socially aware, well practiced in self discipline, use to living in well defined narrow boundaries, and who has to think and problem solve most everything in spiritual terms, respectfully. In 1992, I was aware that only one of my then, four children had Tourette’s. Let alone, not yet realizing my-self or my father had ever showed signs of abnormal social behavior Surprisingly, if you live with and in something your whole life, it seems normal. This is the way we were.
Now, in 2009, all five children have the diagnoses, some with diverse mixes of other maladies. However, my first child’s case was much more severe. Therefore, it was magnified and recognized first. Years later, after my fourth child presented symptoms, I began to really understand Tourette’s genetic dynamics and its associated coprolalia, vocal tics of socially inappropriate words and racial slurs. Corpropraxia, a complex motor tic of sexual and social inappropriatness, is also a strange one to understand. I believe these might be a little more complex. Given, I am still learning.
At age four, my #4 began blinking, grimacing, and making some noises. I took him to a pediatric neurologist. He believed he was normal. He did not show any signs during the visit. There is always the chance it might develop later. After playing with and following him around for around one hour, he did tell me that #4 pwas an artist, be warned, and that he will want to experience everything.
A series of events may have led to the development of or premature development of more complex and violent tics. Immediately after we moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, #4, age 5 developed a violent head throwing tic. I took him to another pediatric neurologist for help.. I was afraid he would break his neck. This was not a new tic to me. My oldest and first diagnosed, had this same tic from about the same age. He would often sprain his neck, couldn’t move it due to pain and stiff muscles, but still be ticing. But, #4’s scared me. Bad words started just after he turned six.
In 1999, during Gretchen’s, child #3’s birthday party, it began. Upon excitement, #4 would blurt out socially unacceptable words, as though he had verbal incontinence. He was six when this began. This happened more often in a room with other children. However these words were not vile obscenities associated with demon possession or demonic persuasion. You know why, because he had not been exposed to them, so they weren’t there in his brain to recall! Having older brothers, of course he had been exposed to the word fuck. This was the worst. Todd, child number two, although experiencing mild head moving amd rolling, and eye blinking tics, had not presented this type of tic, yet, and #1 my first born, had a wee bit of corpropraxia, but never coprolalia. So, #4 could not be mimicing many bad words. He had only been around my father twice. Mostly, He tic’md words like pooh pooh and pee pee, oh, and the previously mentioned ‘f’ word above. Sometimes he uttered silly irrelevant words, ridiculous questions, statements, or informational phrases. Luckily, I haven’t heard anything resembling coprolalia in over one year, fingers crossed.
Some of my children have been treated with medications and some not at all. I now firmly believe my father self treated with coffee and ciggarettes. Daddy was a christian man. At age 19 he had accepted Jesus as his savior and followed Him. I am thinking of the kid's song "O be careful little eyes what you see, O be careful little ears what you hear..." I suppose this is a relevant story toward wathching what you see and hear.
Reading this may offend some readers. I would like to explain. These neurological disorders respect no one. They do not discriminate. There are no boundaries, no sacred place. No place is safe from their social taboos. Without this education, society is often, understandably too quick to judge, claim an incorrect verdict, and fork over an unforgiving and discriminating sentence. Many afflicted, either themselves or as family members, struggle to remain standing and to keep running the race. God has blessed me with humor to cope, understanding to forgive, and a passion for challenges to find solutions and persevere. May He bless all who desire, the same. Also, may He bless you with encouragement and boldness to stand and persue your goals. Still, sometimes, I feel like I am going through an obstacle course, Doing a two step dance, one step up and two steps back, uphill. Occasionally my toes are stepped on and sometimes I flat outright fall. Rise up and walk, run and keep running. This is our reality, our world.
*http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Tourette+Syndrome
Monday, July 27, 2009
No one is safe from an Aspie
Shortly after returning from church camp in the Summer of 2003, I asked #4, then 10, what he did at church camp. His reply was, “nothing.” I knew better than to ask such a vague, abstract question. I rephrased it. What activities did you do? He told me he went swimming and canoeing, and a went to a lot of meetings.
I asked him what he learned there. He replied very matter of fact, “I learned it is okay to be a cannibal.” I stopped dead in my tracks to the apartment’s pool. Silence on my part for a few. I could tell he was quite serious and rather intrigued. I needed to approach this with caution! I knew he took what we said literally. I just didn’t realize to what extent.
Although I’m sure he would have never eaten anyone, I considered this to be one of those stop the world for teaching moments. He was referring to words written in the Holy Bible describing the Lord’s Supper and words spoken in Christian’s symbolic ritual, The Holy Communion. After explaining this was symbolic for God giving his only begotten son, Jesus, to die for us, and that if we believe in and learn from Him we would be nourished spiritually, healed, and have everlasting life. He could not understand why they didn’t just say this.
This kind of misinterpretation still goes on some to this day. However, I use figures of speech, figurative language, idioms, and symbolism, freely. I do it on purpose to teach to the Asperger’s part of my Mix Kids, #4, now 16 and #5 is 10. I explain what it means and how it relates to the context, moment, or environment. They can memorize and usually successfully apply these to future incidents. If not, they will ask if what they don't understand is a figure of speech and what do you mean? At least they can identify them.
Reading this may offend some readers. I would like to explain. These neurological disorders respect no one. They do not discriminate. There are no boundaries, no sacred place. No place is safe from their social taboos. Without this education, society is often, understandably too quick to judge, claim an incorrect verdict, and fork over an unforgiving sentence. Many afflicted, either themselves or as family members, struggle to remain standing and to keep running the race. God has blessed me with humor to cope, understanding to forgive, and a passion for challenges to find solutions and persevere. May He bless all who desire, the same. Still, sometimes, I feel like I am going through an obstacle course, doing a two step dance, one step up and two steps back, uphill. Occasionally, my toes are stepped on, and sometimes I flat outright fall. Rise up and walk, run and keep running. This is our reality, our world.
I asked him what he learned there. He replied very matter of fact, “I learned it is okay to be a cannibal.” I stopped dead in my tracks to the apartment’s pool. Silence on my part for a few. I could tell he was quite serious and rather intrigued. I needed to approach this with caution! I knew he took what we said literally. I just didn’t realize to what extent.
Although I’m sure he would have never eaten anyone, I considered this to be one of those stop the world for teaching moments. He was referring to words written in the Holy Bible describing the Lord’s Supper and words spoken in Christian’s symbolic ritual, The Holy Communion. After explaining this was symbolic for God giving his only begotten son, Jesus, to die for us, and that if we believe in and learn from Him we would be nourished spiritually, healed, and have everlasting life. He could not understand why they didn’t just say this.
This kind of misinterpretation still goes on some to this day. However, I use figures of speech, figurative language, idioms, and symbolism, freely. I do it on purpose to teach to the Asperger’s part of my Mix Kids, #4, now 16 and #5 is 10. I explain what it means and how it relates to the context, moment, or environment. They can memorize and usually successfully apply these to future incidents. If not, they will ask if what they don't understand is a figure of speech and what do you mean? At least they can identify them.
Reading this may offend some readers. I would like to explain. These neurological disorders respect no one. They do not discriminate. There are no boundaries, no sacred place. No place is safe from their social taboos. Without this education, society is often, understandably too quick to judge, claim an incorrect verdict, and fork over an unforgiving sentence. Many afflicted, either themselves or as family members, struggle to remain standing and to keep running the race. God has blessed me with humor to cope, understanding to forgive, and a passion for challenges to find solutions and persevere. May He bless all who desire, the same. Still, sometimes, I feel like I am going through an obstacle course, doing a two step dance, one step up and two steps back, uphill. Occasionally, my toes are stepped on, and sometimes I flat outright fall. Rise up and walk, run and keep running. This is our reality, our world.
Concrete World
Arriving only 3 minutes late to church yesterday, the lady at the check in desk asked Luke; “While mom is signing you in do you want to fill out your name tag?”
His reply was simply “no.” So, in a hurry, I filled out the name tag while telling him that this was a nice way of telling him to.
That evening, my husband, Don, asked, “Luke would you carry in some tools from the back porch?” Luke’s reply to the question was “no, I’m going outside to play.” I immediately saw the realization in Don’s face that he should have told him to do it. Luke with Asperger’s, takes things, speech, literally.
Concrete
I do not mean to be mean
As the world perceives
By giving direct commands.
They think this way, you know
In black and white
And shades of grey, sometimes
This is how some understand
How funny is it?
For this way, he also sees
Hope to see you at the Southeastern Washington Autism Conference, August 6-7. Held at the Three Rivers convention Center in Kennewick, Washington. Award winning Michelle Garcia Winner, PhD and author Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes, PhD will be presenting. For more information go to www.Spectrum TrainingSystemsInc.com
His reply was simply “no.” So, in a hurry, I filled out the name tag while telling him that this was a nice way of telling him to.
That evening, my husband, Don, asked, “Luke would you carry in some tools from the back porch?” Luke’s reply to the question was “no, I’m going outside to play.” I immediately saw the realization in Don’s face that he should have told him to do it. Luke with Asperger’s, takes things, speech, literally.
Concrete
I do not mean to be mean
As the world perceives
By giving direct commands.
They think this way, you know
In black and white
And shades of grey, sometimes
This is how some understand
How funny is it?
For this way, he also sees
Hope to see you at the Southeastern Washington Autism Conference, August 6-7. Held at the Three Rivers convention Center in Kennewick, Washington. Award winning Michelle Garcia Winner, PhD and author Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes, PhD will be presenting. For more information go to www.Spectrum TrainingSystemsInc.com
The need for speed, part 1: Adrenaline Junkie
The need for speed, part one: Adrenaline Junkie
“Look mom, I can fly y y y y”, I heard Doug proclaim from somewhere outside. The thump that followed triggered my mom alarm. His notorious vocal sounds, known now as tics, heard in his jet stream, circled around the house. His ‘no fear’ feeding my fear sent me running, but not fast enough. Arriving just in time I witnessed my six year old shimmying up the perfect climbing tree in our back yard, down its longest limb, and jumping onto the roof. As he scampered over to the front of the house, I ran to stop him. Too late, over the edge again with arms spread wide. I swear, given his bird poised body and no fear radiating, it looked for a moment, as though he would fly.
This kid was always on the go, stretching his human limits. One afternoon I caught him literally running up our living room wall. Over and over he ran up, pushed off, and landed flat footed on the floor. I looked on in amazement. Each time he ran a little further up the wall and pushed a little further from the last step. He was fast. After suspecting the next run, he would do a backward flip, I stopped him. I just wasn’t ready for a broken neck.
At age 7 he was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome and OCD by a pediatric neurologist at the University of Texas, Galveston. I was handed a prescription for Orap and told to fill it if he had trouble with anger or violent behavior. After talking with my family doctor, I decided not to. He told me this was a harsh anti-psychotic medication and if I could tolerate it not to use it. He suggested staying away from processed meats, preservatives, and food colorings, especially red. Doug still needed a safe way to release his energy. So, we played sports! Anything I could get him in, considering my schedule.
Years later, while seeking medical help for another child, I learned these as if driven by a motor, no fear, and impulsive behaviors are symptoms of hyper-activity associated with Tourette’s and ADHD. He had and continues to have the need for speed. Now 27, he still seeks out thrilling and exhilarating experiences. Mostly, he works out at a gym and plays basketball and volleyball. For some strange reason, these natural adrenaline injections have a calming effect.
Doug continues to be an inspiration for hope. Hope for the rest of my children and for others. He struggled for years with an 'as seen on Oprah' case of Tourette's syndrome, thankfully, lessening in severity by age 15. He has climbed mountains toward his success. After eight years as a Navy Corpsman, he now works as a pediatric cardio-vascular technologist at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. "Go Doug"
“Look mom, I can fly y y y y”, I heard Doug proclaim from somewhere outside. The thump that followed triggered my mom alarm. His notorious vocal sounds, known now as tics, heard in his jet stream, circled around the house. His ‘no fear’ feeding my fear sent me running, but not fast enough. Arriving just in time I witnessed my six year old shimmying up the perfect climbing tree in our back yard, down its longest limb, and jumping onto the roof. As he scampered over to the front of the house, I ran to stop him. Too late, over the edge again with arms spread wide. I swear, given his bird poised body and no fear radiating, it looked for a moment, as though he would fly.
This kid was always on the go, stretching his human limits. One afternoon I caught him literally running up our living room wall. Over and over he ran up, pushed off, and landed flat footed on the floor. I looked on in amazement. Each time he ran a little further up the wall and pushed a little further from the last step. He was fast. After suspecting the next run, he would do a backward flip, I stopped him. I just wasn’t ready for a broken neck.
At age 7 he was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome and OCD by a pediatric neurologist at the University of Texas, Galveston. I was handed a prescription for Orap and told to fill it if he had trouble with anger or violent behavior. After talking with my family doctor, I decided not to. He told me this was a harsh anti-psychotic medication and if I could tolerate it not to use it. He suggested staying away from processed meats, preservatives, and food colorings, especially red. Doug still needed a safe way to release his energy. So, we played sports! Anything I could get him in, considering my schedule.
Years later, while seeking medical help for another child, I learned these as if driven by a motor, no fear, and impulsive behaviors are symptoms of hyper-activity associated with Tourette’s and ADHD. He had and continues to have the need for speed. Now 27, he still seeks out thrilling and exhilarating experiences. Mostly, he works out at a gym and plays basketball and volleyball. For some strange reason, these natural adrenaline injections have a calming effect.
Doug continues to be an inspiration for hope. Hope for the rest of my children and for others. He struggled for years with an 'as seen on Oprah' case of Tourette's syndrome, thankfully, lessening in severity by age 15. He has climbed mountains toward his success. After eight years as a Navy Corpsman, he now works as a pediatric cardio-vascular technologist at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. "Go Doug"
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Say What You Mean
“Snow White doesn’t need her nipples anymore,” #5 announced this morning. Although, after a couple of seconds, I knew what he meant, it sent disturbing signals riveting through my body, thus, provoking an irresistible teaching moment. His dog had been spayed and therefore would never have puppies. My first response thought was “yes, but they should remain on her body!” This compulsion to stop the world for understanding, guidance, and teaching would give even a normal person a good case of ADHD and likewise, my persistence and determination, one of OCD.
Although he is now 10, is quite capable of conversation, applying cultural and social rules to semantics isn’t a strong point. He says what he means. This inconsideration of how others will interpret him is typical of Asperger’s Disorder, part of his diagnosis. But, just short of being lethal to either of us, he will become as socialized and functional as possible for survival in this world. These days, one would have to spend at least several hours in a similar aged social gathering, in order to realize, something isn’t quite right. He is the youngest and most challenging of my five children with Tourette’s syndrome and typical co-morbid maladies, and two with additional Asperger’s. He has certainly followed in their footsteps. Living up to his siblings reputations, in spades!
Although he is now 10, is quite capable of conversation, applying cultural and social rules to semantics isn’t a strong point. He says what he means. This inconsideration of how others will interpret him is typical of Asperger’s Disorder, part of his diagnosis. But, just short of being lethal to either of us, he will become as socialized and functional as possible for survival in this world. These days, one would have to spend at least several hours in a similar aged social gathering, in order to realize, something isn’t quite right. He is the youngest and most challenging of my five children with Tourette’s syndrome and typical co-morbid maladies, and two with additional Asperger’s. He has certainly followed in their footsteps. Living up to his siblings reputations, in spades!
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