| Jokes.com | ||||
| John Oliver - Exactly Where I Need to Be | ||||
| ||||
Monday, December 26, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
The Thinking Person's Guide to Autism: An Autistic's Advice: Ten Tips for Teachers
The Thinking Person's Guide to Autism: An Autistic's Advice: Ten Tips for Teachers: Lydia Wayman autisticspeaks.wordpress.com There is so much misinformation and so many misperceptions out there about people with disabili...
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Long overdue
Geez, I realized that I never updated about our second round to Marshfield Clinic! Oops, things have been busy, sorry.
All four of us went to Marshfield's this time. Thank goodness the motel had an indoor pool. And we revisited a Mexican restaurant that we enjoyed on our first visit.
When we went to the clinic it was an all day/one day visit this time. We arrived at 7:30 AM for a 7:45 AM start. Aidan, Mies and I met with another neuro-psychologist, an occupational therapist and a speech therapist. (Andrew was catered to/entertained by the receptionist staff). It was determined, as we suspected, that Aidan is NOT on the autism spectrum. However, they agreed that he is in fact dyslexic and most likely his inattention is stemming from ADHD along with sensory processing disorder.
What does that mean??? Well, Aidan will need OT for sure, at this time, we are waiting to see if he can receive some services through the school. He might need to be medicated for ADHD. The medication process involves a 4 week, double-blind study to see what (if any) level of medication will be needed. We, on the advice of the neuro-psychologist, are waiting to do the medication study sometime in the fall. Since we went Marshfield in May, and met with the school a week later, it just made sense to wait for the next school year.
Needless to say, we're waiting for fall...HOWEVER, that doesn't mean we're not working with Aidan at home. His second grade teacher gave us some reading books that are an easier level (late 1st/early 2nd), but he is getting through the pile, slowly, but surely. Plus, she set home a large stack of math sheets that he finished early on. He loves math. Although, he can reverse numbers in his answers, which is a bit frustrating for him. He needs to learn to double check his work, which isn't a bad habit to get into.
I have been reading books upon books about sensory processing disorder. I have yet to try any activities at home...I'm not 100% confident whether I could do them "right" and/or get the best result. I hope to get some pointers from the OT this fall.
So there...that is what happened in round 2 w/ Marshfield Clinic. Which, by the way, is a great clinic! The staff is very helpful and friendly, as are the professionals. We had a great experience there, all in all.
All four of us went to Marshfield's this time. Thank goodness the motel had an indoor pool. And we revisited a Mexican restaurant that we enjoyed on our first visit.
When we went to the clinic it was an all day/one day visit this time. We arrived at 7:30 AM for a 7:45 AM start. Aidan, Mies and I met with another neuro-psychologist, an occupational therapist and a speech therapist. (Andrew was catered to/entertained by the receptionist staff). It was determined, as we suspected, that Aidan is NOT on the autism spectrum. However, they agreed that he is in fact dyslexic and most likely his inattention is stemming from ADHD along with sensory processing disorder.
What does that mean??? Well, Aidan will need OT for sure, at this time, we are waiting to see if he can receive some services through the school. He might need to be medicated for ADHD. The medication process involves a 4 week, double-blind study to see what (if any) level of medication will be needed. We, on the advice of the neuro-psychologist, are waiting to do the medication study sometime in the fall. Since we went Marshfield in May, and met with the school a week later, it just made sense to wait for the next school year.
Needless to say, we're waiting for fall...HOWEVER, that doesn't mean we're not working with Aidan at home. His second grade teacher gave us some reading books that are an easier level (late 1st/early 2nd), but he is getting through the pile, slowly, but surely. Plus, she set home a large stack of math sheets that he finished early on. He loves math. Although, he can reverse numbers in his answers, which is a bit frustrating for him. He needs to learn to double check his work, which isn't a bad habit to get into.
I have been reading books upon books about sensory processing disorder. I have yet to try any activities at home...I'm not 100% confident whether I could do them "right" and/or get the best result. I hope to get some pointers from the OT this fall.
So there...that is what happened in round 2 w/ Marshfield Clinic. Which, by the way, is a great clinic! The staff is very helpful and friendly, as are the professionals. We had a great experience there, all in all.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Thanks Glee.
Thanks to Glee, I've been thinking about the song, "For Good", which has sparked a wave of grief for everyone I've lost in my life. So, I'm dedicating this song to them.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Journey to Marshfield, Wisconsin
On March 31 and April 1, Aidan had his first visit (of 2) to Marshfield Clinic. During this trip we discovered that Aidan does, in fact, have developmental dyslexia. This came as no real surprise for Mies and I, since he has been struggling with reading, not hearing sounds, reversing letters, etc. I think I may have mentioned this suspicion in an earlier blog. The good news that emerged from this trip is that the school jumped on this diagnosis and Aidan has been receiving remedial assistance, and has made some HUGE improvements in less than a month's time. He's no where near where his classmates are in reading ability, but he's been working hard with both Title I and pull out services. Plus, when he goes to the after school program two days/week, they've been working with him on his spelling words, which has brought up his spelling grade!
The second phase of the Marshfield experience is coming soon. On the previous trip, the 2 professionals we saw; one pediatrician and one neuro-psychologist, both felt Aidan was on the cusp of either Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) (the later was formally PDD-NOS, but I think the DSM-V or DSM-5 is dropping the "Not Otherwise Specified" portion). On this trip (round 2) he will meet with one more psychologist, also with a speech therapist and an occupational therapist. It will be an all day thing, a long day for all of us, but especially Aidan.
This is where is gets a bit nerve-racking. I've always felt Aidan has sensory processing issues, he reacts negatively to the Me-Protocol and to gentle massages from a massage therapist. His legs hurt if he stands or sits in one place for longer than 2 minutes, so he needs to "stretch"(his words). He needs to sleep with several blankets on him, all year round, or in the summer, he will "cocoon" himself in his sheet. He's very clumsy, always falling, stubbing toes, tripping, etc. He always falls out of his chair or if he does sit successfully, it's on his knees while leaning over a table to write/draw. Noises and motion are highly distracting (and not in an inattentive way). Now try and take all those issues and sit and learn in today's classroom! I dare you to try and learn with all this going on in YOUR body. I don't feel he is either PDD nor has ADHD, but has Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). And yes, I'm a little angry (like that wasn't obvious). Not with anyone/anything in particular, but it is distressing when you have one child that has external issues that affect them, let alone two.
The sad thing about SPD is that it isn't recognized as a learning disability and hard to get services just for SPD. Most children who have SPD are misdiagnosed as being either autistic or having ADHD, since SPD is prevalent with those diagnosis. A common phrase I hear is that everyone on the autism spectrum (like Andrew) has SPD, but not everyone with SPD has autism. Similar things said about ADHD.
So, now, we wait, wait for the visit to see where they place Aidan. I'm positive the OT will see his SPD and the speech therapist will see mild speech apraxia. [Side note with my speech concerns: when the ENT removed Aidan's tonsil and adenoids (when Aidan was 3 yo) the doc. told me that Aidan's soft palate was having a hard time sealing against the back of the throat (?), but he told me it would correct itself--what if it is affecting his speech ? I don't know]. One might think that with all the "experience" we have in the world of Autism Spectrum Disorder, that this would be a "piece of cake" for Mies and I. I can honestly say, that this time is different, literally and emotionally.
It is hard not to take these diagnoses (for both boys) personally. What did I do wrong? Did I miss something allow the way? Should I have noticed things or spoken up more when I did? I did put forth so much energy when Andrew was diagnosed as having HFA that I think I burnt myself out. So, when I started noticing things were "off" with Aidan, I just ignored it, thinking that he was imitating Andrew's behaviors and that when he went to school, then he'd be fine, "normal". The dyslexia part was noticeable in kindergarten and am glad that it was finally diagnosed for Aidan, but the other quirky and sensory processing stuff, I thought was imitation. Honestly. I know it sounds stupid now, but given the circumstances, like where we live there aren't many young children in our neighborhood and with Andrew being HFA, we never joined things or went to many places where there would be a lot of children. Because if we did then Andrew would either "retreat" within himself or when he was younger have a tantrum, so going places was hard. And then it's explaining why my son is like this -- like it is my fault, or is contagious or something. I'm sorry, I didn't want to be the freak show!! I know that sounds harsh, but think about it...people pointing, whispering, or acting like I have the plague, because my autistic child is having sensory processing issues. It's exhausting, having to explain...so we went to fewer and fewer places/events. And when we did go places, and Andrew did "retreat", he was not only being watched by other families, but by Aidan. Aidan was also watching at home; he and Andrew are ALWAYS together. That is why I honestly felt that these "quirks" in Aidan were learned. [Another side note: With Andrew, I stopped explaining, because I started accepting Andrew as Andrew, which was VERY empowering for both me and for him.]
I just hope they get it right in Marshfield and that Aidan gets help with his sensory processing, just like he has for his dyslexia.
...TO BE CONTINUED...
The second phase of the Marshfield experience is coming soon. On the previous trip, the 2 professionals we saw; one pediatrician and one neuro-psychologist, both felt Aidan was on the cusp of either Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) (the later was formally PDD-NOS, but I think the DSM-V or DSM-5 is dropping the "Not Otherwise Specified" portion). On this trip (round 2) he will meet with one more psychologist, also with a speech therapist and an occupational therapist. It will be an all day thing, a long day for all of us, but especially Aidan.
This is where is gets a bit nerve-racking. I've always felt Aidan has sensory processing issues, he reacts negatively to the Me-Protocol and to gentle massages from a massage therapist. His legs hurt if he stands or sits in one place for longer than 2 minutes, so he needs to "stretch"(his words). He needs to sleep with several blankets on him, all year round, or in the summer, he will "cocoon" himself in his sheet. He's very clumsy, always falling, stubbing toes, tripping, etc. He always falls out of his chair or if he does sit successfully, it's on his knees while leaning over a table to write/draw. Noises and motion are highly distracting (and not in an inattentive way). Now try and take all those issues and sit and learn in today's classroom! I dare you to try and learn with all this going on in YOUR body. I don't feel he is either PDD nor has ADHD, but has Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). And yes, I'm a little angry (like that wasn't obvious). Not with anyone/anything in particular, but it is distressing when you have one child that has external issues that affect them, let alone two.
The sad thing about SPD is that it isn't recognized as a learning disability and hard to get services just for SPD. Most children who have SPD are misdiagnosed as being either autistic or having ADHD, since SPD is prevalent with those diagnosis. A common phrase I hear is that everyone on the autism spectrum (like Andrew) has SPD, but not everyone with SPD has autism. Similar things said about ADHD.
So, now, we wait, wait for the visit to see where they place Aidan. I'm positive the OT will see his SPD and the speech therapist will see mild speech apraxia. [Side note with my speech concerns: when the ENT removed Aidan's tonsil and adenoids (when Aidan was 3 yo) the doc. told me that Aidan's soft palate was having a hard time sealing against the back of the throat (?), but he told me it would correct itself--what if it is affecting his speech ? I don't know]. One might think that with all the "experience" we have in the world of Autism Spectrum Disorder, that this would be a "piece of cake" for Mies and I. I can honestly say, that this time is different, literally and emotionally.
It is hard not to take these diagnoses (for both boys) personally. What did I do wrong? Did I miss something allow the way? Should I have noticed things or spoken up more when I did? I did put forth so much energy when Andrew was diagnosed as having HFA that I think I burnt myself out. So, when I started noticing things were "off" with Aidan, I just ignored it, thinking that he was imitating Andrew's behaviors and that when he went to school, then he'd be fine, "normal". The dyslexia part was noticeable in kindergarten and am glad that it was finally diagnosed for Aidan, but the other quirky and sensory processing stuff, I thought was imitation. Honestly. I know it sounds stupid now, but given the circumstances, like where we live there aren't many young children in our neighborhood and with Andrew being HFA, we never joined things or went to many places where there would be a lot of children. Because if we did then Andrew would either "retreat" within himself or when he was younger have a tantrum, so going places was hard. And then it's explaining why my son is like this -- like it is my fault, or is contagious or something. I'm sorry, I didn't want to be the freak show!! I know that sounds harsh, but think about it...people pointing, whispering, or acting like I have the plague, because my autistic child is having sensory processing issues. It's exhausting, having to explain...so we went to fewer and fewer places/events. And when we did go places, and Andrew did "retreat", he was not only being watched by other families, but by Aidan. Aidan was also watching at home; he and Andrew are ALWAYS together. That is why I honestly felt that these "quirks" in Aidan were learned. [Another side note: With Andrew, I stopped explaining, because I started accepting Andrew as Andrew, which was VERY empowering for both me and for him.]
I just hope they get it right in Marshfield and that Aidan gets help with his sensory processing, just like he has for his dyslexia.
...TO BE CONTINUED...
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
All things David Foley
I was a HUGE fan of the tv show News Radio, plus a HUGE fan of KITH.
I admit I follow the KITH fan page on Facebook, which is where I came upon this podcast/interview of "The Joe Rogan Experience" (who was also on NR) of David Foley.
I was shocked about child support laws in Canada! Poor Dave.
However, divorces aside, Mr. Foley is very talented and I'm positive that he will land on his feet. And this is a fun interview, so watch it.
I admit I follow the KITH fan page on Facebook, which is where I came upon this podcast/interview of "The Joe Rogan Experience" (who was also on NR) of David Foley.
I was shocked about child support laws in Canada! Poor Dave.
However, divorces aside, Mr. Foley is very talented and I'm positive that he will land on his feet. And this is a fun interview, so watch it.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
13th Anniversary (2/21/11)
My favorite scene from Bridget Jones' Diary. It spoke to me, because Mies is the serious, intellectual guy and I'm the quirky, airhead, but he loves me just the way I am.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Aidan needs glasses
Yes, he does he has Accomadative Esotropia, which means his eyes cross when he tries to focus on anything, like reading, writing, coloring. This is a great relief, believe it or not. He has been struggling with reading and is a grade level behind. We noticed reading problems in first grade, but chalked in up to him being more of a sight reader, like the rest of us in our family. "Hooked on Phonics" does not compute, in the Martin household.
So, why did we take so long to correct the situation, you ask? Well, we did take him to an eye doctor last year, who told us that yes his eye turns in, have him "blink it off". Huh? Well, thanks to our insurance, we were stuck with that diagnoses for a year, cos only one exam/year is covered. Plus, we were still not sure if it wasn't just a sight word thing, or maybe he could have dyslexia, it runs the family. Which reminds of me...
Eddie Izzard Dsylexia--"Stripped"
Not to say that Aidan doesn't have dyslexia in addition to esotropia, he may, who knows. At least we are heading in the right direction.
We have a meeting with his teacher, the principal, the counselor, the Title I teacher and possibly the resource room teacher, tomorrow at 1:30pm. We shall see how that goes. It's mostly a different crew than we had with Andrew, since most of those idiots have retired. Thank you, A-sus, B-sus, C-sus, etc. (Sorry another EI bit)
Eddie Izzard & God--"Stripped"
Holy Cow, I'm exhausted. Time for bed! More later.
So, why did we take so long to correct the situation, you ask? Well, we did take him to an eye doctor last year, who told us that yes his eye turns in, have him "blink it off". Huh? Well, thanks to our insurance, we were stuck with that diagnoses for a year, cos only one exam/year is covered. Plus, we were still not sure if it wasn't just a sight word thing, or maybe he could have dyslexia, it runs the family. Which reminds of me...
Eddie Izzard Dsylexia--"Stripped"
Not to say that Aidan doesn't have dyslexia in addition to esotropia, he may, who knows. At least we are heading in the right direction.
We have a meeting with his teacher, the principal, the counselor, the Title I teacher and possibly the resource room teacher, tomorrow at 1:30pm. We shall see how that goes. It's mostly a different crew than we had with Andrew, since most of those idiots have retired. Thank you, A-sus, B-sus, C-sus, etc. (Sorry another EI bit)
Eddie Izzard & God--"Stripped"
Holy Cow, I'm exhausted. Time for bed! More later.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Melissa Ann Maple, b 11/23/70, d. 1/16/11
IN MEMORY OF MELISSA ANN MAPLE
Melissa Ann Maple, 40, of Blanchester, Ohio died 7:45 PM, Sunday, January 16, 2011 at Hospice of Dayton after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Her husband, David L. Maple, whom she married October 14, 2000, survives. She was born November 23, 1970 in Detroit, Michigan. Mrs. Maple was the Associate Director of Quality Assurance at Alkermes. She received her bachelors of science in biology from the University of Detroit.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Maple is survived by a son, Daelin Layne Maple; her parents, Elizabeth J. and Herman "Buddy" Buddenborg; her half sister, Eva (Curt) Cuthhertson; her father-in-law, David (Susan) Maple; her mother-in-law, Jane (Larry) Roberts; a sister-in-law, Melissa (Marty) Fellure; and her nieces and nephews, Ashley, Amelia, Austin, Aiden, Kennedy, and Noah. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Bella Greenwald, and her grandfather, Morris Baker.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 22, 2011 at the Reynolds-Smith Funeral Home, 327 N. South Street, Wilmington, Ohio with Dan Mayo officiating. Burial will be in Springfield Friends Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Friday, January 21, 2011 at the Reynolds-Smith Funeral Home.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Resolution
Happy 2011! My resolution is to spend more time reading. Why? Well my reason is twofold. First, I'm doing something I think is fun. We inherited a set of the Harvard Classics--Five-foot shelf---and I'm embarking on the 15 minute a day reading list. I started two days ago, and am enjoying the selections so far. I'm not going to blog about this in too much detail, as it has been done before. However, it does get me "warmed up" to do some reading that I've been putting off. Reading various materials related to the profession. And so, when I've completed my 15 minutes of the Harvard Classic o' the day, I then read Charles Osburn's Social Transcript: Uncovering Library Philosophy. I've just begun, and can tell it's going to be a worthwhile read. I do remember being taken aback in library school that there was no central philosophy to librarianship. This book has already sparked some interest for me and will be ILL-ing articles and such on the topic. More blogs to follow. Here is one review that I've found.
REVIEW:
"Retired from active academic work, Osburn introduces a philosophy for the library, using the processes of cultural evolution as a context for understanding why—rather than how—the social institution functions. The concept of the library and the practice within it are confused in the minds both of the public and scholars, he argues, so that misleading conceptions and fundamental misunderstandings about what the library is and why it exists arise easily and often. His topics include strategic considerations, a cultural technology, and stewardship of the social transcript."
–
Reference & Research Book News
Now for reason #2:
My husband will be taking his comprehensive exams toward his PhD starting this April. His 4 questions were approved late last summer and has been working hard with his reading lists. However, he has complained that there are too many distractions around the house and also, that he's feeling like he is not alloted enough time to focus. I can understand, this has been his struggle since the beginning, seven years ago, working full time, raising a family and working toward his PhD. Lately, he's been complaining that I'm watching too much tv! ME? The 2 shows I watch irregularly. That is a distraction?!? Ok, enough scoffing. If that is his area of concern, and I'm not a vidiot and do enjoy reading, I've decided that spending more time reading (and possibly blogging) would be less of a distraction and possibly an encouragement for my husband to complete his studies.
Not too shabby of a resolution and I may learn something along the way. If I do, I'll keep you posted.
Happy New Year!
REVIEW:
"Retired from active academic work, Osburn introduces a philosophy for the library, using the processes of cultural evolution as a context for understanding why—rather than how—the social institution functions. The concept of the library and the practice within it are confused in the minds both of the public and scholars, he argues, so that misleading conceptions and fundamental misunderstandings about what the library is and why it exists arise easily and often. His topics include strategic considerations, a cultural technology, and stewardship of the social transcript."
–
Reference & Research Book News
Now for reason #2:
My husband will be taking his comprehensive exams toward his PhD starting this April. His 4 questions were approved late last summer and has been working hard with his reading lists. However, he has complained that there are too many distractions around the house and also, that he's feeling like he is not alloted enough time to focus. I can understand, this has been his struggle since the beginning, seven years ago, working full time, raising a family and working toward his PhD. Lately, he's been complaining that I'm watching too much tv! ME? The 2 shows I watch irregularly. That is a distraction?!? Ok, enough scoffing. If that is his area of concern, and I'm not a vidiot and do enjoy reading, I've decided that spending more time reading (and possibly blogging) would be less of a distraction and possibly an encouragement for my husband to complete his studies.
Not too shabby of a resolution and I may learn something along the way. If I do, I'll keep you posted.
Happy New Year!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)