Lots of Questions/Looking for suggestions - Autism Spectrum Message Board

zak's dad · 05-01-2005, 12:06 PM

Hi, Our son Zak is now almost 21 months. We became worried when he was around 18 months. At 19 months we contacted our regional center on the advice of our pediatrician and now his assessment is going to begin on Friday. We are doing it in two parts because the regional center couldn't get their two docs together in the same room until June and I refused to wait that long, but that is another story. I have been saving a bunch of questions I have for one post. Now is the time.

My first question has to do with the therapies that people have tried. We are sure Zak is on the spectrum and I want to be prepared when the time comes to get him all that he needs. Right now I intend on pushing for speech, ocupational and physical therapy, ABA, and and integrated playgroup. Is there anything else I should be considering?

Question number 2: We are planning a vacation at the end of May. It will be Zak's first trip on an airplane and the flight will be around 6 hours. He absolutely loves television so I was going to look into a portable DVD player for the trip. It has also been suggested that we sedate him. In a car he does okay, but does like to scream/screech, especially if Raffi is not on the cd player. I would love to hear other suggestions of what has worked for you when flying with your autistic children.

Next, as I mentioned, Zak is almost 21 months. Discipline is becoming a problem. He doesn't understand "no" or anything else. I am constantly redirecting. Does anyone have any suggestions as to other things I can try?

Lastly he did something I find interesting, but don't know if means anything or not. He has 4-6 words he uses seldomly. Mama is not one of them. However the other day we were looking at pictures and twice he said Mama when looking at a picture of me! He won't say it otherwise. I'd be interested in hearing thoughts about that. He does say Daddy maybe 1-3 times during the course of a week.

I know that is a lot of questions, but I am amazed at the wealth of knowledge out there. Reading everyone's posts has been great education, and supportive too!

Zak's Mom

jasiusmom · 05-01-2005, 08:54 PM

In regards to the "mama and dada" talk. Our son did the exact same thing. When he started talking he would refer to anyone as "dada" and no "mama". This went on for a very long time. Finally he said mama--and eventually he was referring to ME. It was great. He also said a version of "I love you" for the first time in September of last year, right as he was turning three. What a happy day. All of their accomplishments and steps are so meaningful and joyous. I hope your wife enjoyed hearing the Word.

suejo · 05-02-2005, 06:21 AM

I guess for the trip, I would bring a favorite toy (one without a lot of parts), I tried to get a little grab bag ready with some new inexpensive little things as well and some snacks. When they started getting bored with what they had I could pull out something new and interesting. The portable CD player sounds great. Don't forget a bottle or sippee cup (something to suck on to help with pressure in his ears. I used drink bottles when my kids were young, this year I used gum but my boys are much older). Have a good time on your trip.

Good luck with the appointment.

bjm32 · 05-02-2005, 08:10 AM

You have alot of really great questions and sound like you are on the right track. My son (12) recieves all the therapies you mentioned at his school. After your son completes the evaluation and you find out where he "fits" in the spectrum they should recommend the therapies you mentioned. If they don't, voice your concerns and ask for referrals. When my son was that age he started early intervention and recieved therapy through them. If you have problems getting him services you can call your local ARC or hopefully there is an Autism Support Center nearby. You can call them for advise and they can also help you find an "advocate" for your child.

As far as the discipline issues, I went through the same thing with my son. He didn't understand no and redirecting did work sometimes but he was non-verbal (and still is) and couldn't understand why I was saying no. I had to remove alot of the things he was getting into. I used to put him in his pack and play when he wouldn't listen to no or I couldn't redirect him and that worked as a good distraction. Sorry that's not much help but he will get better once you know what his diagnosis is and get input from different therapists, doctors, etc..

I have never taken my son on an airplane, not for any specific reason we just haven't gone anywhere! LOL. The DVD player is a great idea and maybe a cd/tape player so you can play Raffi. Six hours is a long time for anyone so if you think he would benefit from some kind of sedation, I'd say go for it..

Good luck with the eval and have a great and safe vacation! ~ Bunny

CindySue74 · 05-02-2005, 08:27 PM

Why not get one of those "Video Now" portable players? They are a bit smaller and you can get kids videos to go with them, along with some headphones. We are giving one to our 3 y/o as a birthday gift in hopes that we can use it as a reward for sitting on the potty (he has an aversion to it, but LOVES videos).