Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group
Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.
My son is very depressed. Went to his behavior unit yesterday and cried and melted down all day because "I have NO friends."
He cried all afternoon when he got home from school and all night last night. I let him sleep with me because I was very worried about him.
We are practicing right now. I tell him. "Smile! Now, say 'Hello, I'm Kristopher!'". I've made them aware at school that he needs more social stories and practice about this.
I've also written an email to his teachers to ask if they could find a student willing to "mentor" him. I've seen some really special young people in our church's confirmation class. They are NOT attending his middle school. But, I know there are fine young people out there. Maybe someone who grew up with a disabled person or someone who wants to go into occupational or physical therapy or the like.
He is so alone and it's really affecting him. He's so shy, too. He says he's uncomfortable getting a tray in the school cafeteria and if he sits down he is usually all alone and nobody talks to him (but, he doesn't make conversation easily unless somebody is there to "break the ice".)
He's been taking his lunch and going to the behavior unit and eating with the teachers. : ( I didn't mind if that was what was making him happy. But, he truly seems to need a friend.
And, I've heard that friends can help to keep our kids from being bullied.
So, if this request doesn't work I guess it will be back to ARD to demand more social stories and perhaps a student mentor.
I have some DVDs about aspie kids and I would be happy to share that with the school or the student mentor.
I think it could be a wonderful program if the school will just give it a try. We will have to see. I know that who you hang with at this age seems so "important" but I need to help my son and I can't see me doing that if I can't help him to make a friend.
Hugs,
Gaylek11 (who's very worried about her precious 13 year old son)
He cried all afternoon when he got home from school and all night last night. I let him sleep with me because I was very worried about him.
We are practicing right now. I tell him. "Smile! Now, say 'Hello, I'm Kristopher!'". I've made them aware at school that he needs more social stories and practice about this.
I've also written an email to his teachers to ask if they could find a student willing to "mentor" him. I've seen some really special young people in our church's confirmation class. They are NOT attending his middle school. But, I know there are fine young people out there. Maybe someone who grew up with a disabled person or someone who wants to go into occupational or physical therapy or the like.
He is so alone and it's really affecting him. He's so shy, too. He says he's uncomfortable getting a tray in the school cafeteria and if he sits down he is usually all alone and nobody talks to him (but, he doesn't make conversation easily unless somebody is there to "break the ice".)
He's been taking his lunch and going to the behavior unit and eating with the teachers. : ( I didn't mind if that was what was making him happy. But, he truly seems to need a friend.
And, I've heard that friends can help to keep our kids from being bullied.
So, if this request doesn't work I guess it will be back to ARD to demand more social stories and perhaps a student mentor.
I have some DVDs about aspie kids and I would be happy to share that with the school or the student mentor.
I think it could be a wonderful program if the school will just give it a try. We will have to see. I know that who you hang with at this age seems so "important" but I need to help my son and I can't see me doing that if I can't help him to make a friend.
Hugs,
Gaylek11 (who's very worried about her precious 13 year old son)
-
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??
-
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...
Heard from the behavior teacher and he has found a "mentor" in one of his B class days and will look for someone for him to share lunch with.
I sure hope this works because I'm very, very worried about him.
Teen years are hard on normal kids. But, even harder on these kids 'cuz they just don't always fit in and it hurts. He's such a sweet and caring young man. I hope somebody will give him to chance and discover that.
Hugs,
gaylek11
Hugs,
Gayle