Asperger Syndrome Support Group
Asperger syndrome - also referred to as Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's, Aspergers or just AS - is one of five neurobiological pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and is characterized by deficiencies in social and communication skills, normal to above normal intelligence, and standard language development.
Our son was dx'd with AS a few years back. While in pre-school, we used to hand-flap when he was over stressed. This went away in Kindergarten when we realized what was going on and educated ourselves. Every now and then he would then make some very nasty faces. We realized this was when he was upset about something. We would then say, "is that my loving boy?" or "can I get a big hug?" Anything to cajoal him out of his mood. Hugs usually work because they relieve a sensory need for him.
At the end of 1st grade, I began to notice him growling every now and then. He rarely does this at home. It's usually if we are away from home and when he's out of his element. My mother-in-law has mentioned that he does this when he spends the weekend with her. Our kids often spend the weekend with her at least once a month so my husband and I get a weekend to ourselves. She was the one that really brought this to our attention. But, now I'm finding out, he's doing this quite a lot at school. Our son is an excellent student in 2nd grade. Top of the class. He reads well, but doesn't like to read what they choose for him. This is the problem. They want him to choose between A or B. Our son is choosing C.
He starts growling and then the angry faces start coming. To me, the growling is the first sign of the beginning of a melt down. It's like hand flapping. It's his way of expressing that he's overwhelmed and he can't verbalize it. So, he's growling. If he could verbalize it, then he would and he wouldn't resort to growling and the meltdown. When I spoke to the Principal about it, they were taking it as being defiant and disobedient. When I told her by thoughts on the subject, she thought it was possible it could be sensory. My husband and I really feel it is all in the approach and if one gives him some quiet time when he starts this and then reapproaches him, then they will get much further. I believe it is the transition. What are your thoughts? Have any of you experienced anything like this?
At the end of 1st grade, I began to notice him growling every now and then. He rarely does this at home. It's usually if we are away from home and when he's out of his element. My mother-in-law has mentioned that he does this when he spends the weekend with her. Our kids often spend the weekend with her at least once a month so my husband and I get a weekend to ourselves. She was the one that really brought this to our attention. But, now I'm finding out, he's doing this quite a lot at school. Our son is an excellent student in 2nd grade. Top of the class. He reads well, but doesn't like to read what they choose for him. This is the problem. They want him to choose between A or B. Our son is choosing C.
He starts growling and then the angry faces start coming. To me, the growling is the first sign of the beginning of a melt down. It's like hand flapping. It's his way of expressing that he's overwhelmed and he can't verbalize it. So, he's growling. If he could verbalize it, then he would and he wouldn't resort to growling and the meltdown. When I spoke to the Principal about it, they were taking it as being defiant and disobedient. When I told her by thoughts on the subject, she thought it was possible it could be sensory. My husband and I really feel it is all in the approach and if one gives him some quiet time when he starts this and then reapproaches him, then they will get much further. I believe it is the transition. What are your thoughts? Have any of you experienced anything like this?
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
Sometimes ABA therapy is overdone...
Here are some simpler ways to look at it.
ABA therapy:
1. What is my child doing that I can reinforce? -- EX: Maybe he takes out a fidget when he's getting nervous instead of having a meltdown.
2. What do we need to work on or eliminate? -- EX:The anxiety needs to go down...Maybe we are moving to quickly in trying to promote speech.
3. Can we provide alternatives? -- EX: Maybe we haven't thought about letting him swing for 5 min. between each therapy/teaching session, or maybe we can offer him a weighted vest to take some of those damaging nervous habits...
Ask them about this type of ABA in their mind.
So, growling really isn't uncommon in AS especially in a person who is nonverbal.
Luv,
Kris
Well, I do want to clarify one thing. My son is actually quite verbal. It's just when he feels pressured, he becomes non-verbal until the point he's into a full blown melt down. Once he's in the full blown melt down, he will get rather vocal and say some down right mean things. They've actually removed the entire class a few times because he's scared his classmates.
This situation seems to happen when he is coming in from lunch recess and his aide is on her lunch break. Therefore, he doesn't have her normal guidance in this matter. She's an excellent aide with many years of experience . It seems to be at the same time of the day. The school knows he has difficulties with transitions, hence the aide. They have requested another OT evaluation since they are unhappy with the results of last years eval, as was I and feel he needs much more than the OT suggested. They have documented quite a lot. I was happy to see this as well.
I really feel it's a stim, and is a signal to them that he needs some time and space. He has a squishy ball in his desk. I could suggest this to them. He takes his blanket to school to help with his sensory issues. It's also his safety net. I'm sure this would be good at that time. I was told the teacher was making a safe zone in the classroom for him. But, I was unsure if this was a great idea, since it was still in the same room. Any thoughts on that?
Thanks a million on your advice!
Kris
PS: Prayers especially for Asthma, k?!!! I'd appreciate that a lot.
Lunch time is prob. too over stimulating for him and then not having some sameness like the aid to be there, etc. is prob. freaking him out.
About the in the classroom, it may work, it may not. usually there is a room with a swing in it for kids with more severe disabilities, etc. but is used for kids with an ASD where he could go cool down and swing for a bit. Also, not eating in the lunchroom but in a spec. ed room or that other room I mentioned would help a whole lot. I couldn't eat with everyone else. I actually ate with the psychologist.
Kris
Kris
Herd, I'll pray for your asthma. I have adult onset asthma and it's been quite a struggle for me to get used to.
I've been keeping in touch with his Principal and she with his team. We were trying a new system of documenting everything last week and it went ok. My husband and I were able to help refine it, I believe. But, a lot of it was based on what our son is telling us (some of which is little) and what we actually understand from the sheets themselves. We need to make sure he's getting the most out of school and is VERY comfortable there. 2nd grade is a big year - or so, they keep telling us. I really feel they want him to conform but, in a good way. They really are a very loving and caring school. I know this is can be very difficult for him. I'm also just trying to get them to understand him and the little tricks that help. I hope that makes sense. He mostly has good days, but there are those days that are really tricky.
I will ask about the additional minute or two coming in from lunch recess. I agree, there is too much going on at that point of time for him. He just needs a min or two to gather himself. I'm sure more is going to come from the OT evaluation.
Thanks again for all your input! =)