It appears you have not yet registered with our community. To register please click here...


 Home Message Boards Videos Join for Free User Blogs Board Index
Search
 
Forgot your username or password?


Autism Spectrum Message Board
Post New Thread   Closed Thread
Share
 
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 04-10-2009, 10:29 AM   #1
Veteran
(male)
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 420
Hugs: 0
Hugged 1 Time in 1 Post
Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Editor HB UserEditor HB User
Questions about schooling

Greetings,

This is my first time posting in this forum. We have a 9 year old boy that has been diagnosed as Aperger's/High functioning Autistic. We kept him out of school until he was 6 because we didn't feel he was ready yet. He is quite intelligent, but lacks some of the social skills we are all familiar with. He is quite hyper focused on the things he is interested in, but has certain fixations and obsessions that act as distractions to him

Also, he is very auditory, and finds sounds interesting. He seems to have a compulsive need to make noises, and this is difficult for him since he has been mainstreamed at school, although he has some therapy providers at school (OT etc.). He has a great teacher who understands him and has had him now for 2 years. Lately, this year, he has been having problems with his noise making and so is singled out for "time outs". He seems to have reached a breaking point and feels as though he is a "freak" and the only one that ever gets in trouble. He feels humiliated.

The school has for the first time asked if we have considered medication. My question is, has anyone else had experience dealing with the schools? What medications have you tried? They seem to want to try an ADD type med, but I think that he isn't really ADD, but merely bored with the program. When something catches his interest, he'll forget to eat. I am less inclined to try meds then my wife is, and so we are at a little bit of an impasse. I was just hoping for some input from you all.

Thanks in advance,

Brenden.

 
Sponsors Lightbulb
   
Old 04-10-2009, 08:19 PM   #2
Senior Member
(female)
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 228
Hugs: 0
Hugged 1 Time in 1 Post
Thanks: 0
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Mira11 HB User
Re: Questions about schooling

Brenden - Hi- Your son sounds similar to several children I have come across over the years; my son is 21 now and one little guy in particular reminds me of what you describe - highly intelligent; however focused on little obsessions. IMO the ADD meds are not the direction you want to go. I know a little about meds in general due to all the years of finding the right ones and the right dose for my son, and I would be concerned that the ADD meds might make him even more hyperfocused.

The serotonin (SSRI) meds like zoloft can be helpful for the obsessions.

Another thought: has mild tourettes ever been ruled out by a child neurologist? I ask this because of the noises. Could it be a mild tourettes symptom or an obsession, like you say? This is just something to consider and I know there are meds that help with this too.

To me it sounds like a consulation with a good child neuro who understands Asperger's could be very helpful.

Keep us posted.

 
Old 04-11-2009, 10:53 AM   #3
Senior Member
(female)
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 190
Hugs: 0
Hugged 0 Times in 0 Posts
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Rickysmom HB User
Re: Questions about schooling

Having been in the same situation as you, I completely understand both yours and your wife's feelings on the matter. Fortunately, you have a diagnosis of aspergers a lot earlier on than we did. We were under the impression that he had ADHD until he was about 12. The schools had him under the category of behavioral problems rather than autism. We tried medication - several different kinds. While it seemed to help at first, it just seemed to mask what was really going on underneath it all. I just wanted a quick fix to the problem because I didn't know how to deal with it!

Well, after all is said and done, he's not on meds any more. Instead, we are working on helping him with the social problems he has at their source and we have him in a private school which has made a HUGE difference.

Of course, every aspie is different, but this is what helped us. I hope you find what works for your son!

 
Old 04-11-2009, 10:06 PM   #4
Veteran
(male)
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 420
Hugs: 0
Hugged 1 Time in 1 Post
Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Editor HB UserEditor HB User
Re: Questions about schooling

Thanks for your input. Tourettes has never been suggested. I could check. I am wondering if there are any web sources for dealing with the school system for parents with children in this situation? It gets a bit frustrating at times. I feel as though we are educating ourselves more than gleaning anything from the experts. BTW, I have had OCD since I was a kid, but I (sort of) manage it now. I think perhaps there may be a few things going on with our son.

Regards, Brenden.

 
Old 04-11-2009, 11:36 PM   #5
Member
(female)
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 75
Hugs: 0
Hugged 2 Times in 1 Post
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Jenbuck29 HB User
Re: Questions about schooling

Hi!~ I also have a son who is turning 5 next month. The dr said he shows signs of having Asbergers. Just yesterday, I took him to Kindergaten roundup @ an elementary school. Although i am terrified that he is going to interrupt the whole school w/ his massive fits, thats where he needs to be. He is currently seeking OT, behavior management, & speech. Kinda nervous about real school. Don't want him in a special needs class because he is very smart, just fits outta the blue w/no triggers. He screams so loud people stare if I take him in public. He is like a firecracker ready to explode @ any moment! I firmly believe that drugging your child is not the answer, only slows his development. I was drugged when I was younger & made me hate my life! Lots of love & support & constant attention will be the best medicine! Life is a roller coaster! You will be up one moment & down the next! Just love him & accept him as God's most prescious gift. He only gives you what u can handle!

 
Closed Thread

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Board Replies Last Post
Questions about being a doctor BriannaH Healthcare Professionals 2 01-17-2010 06:34 AM
home schooling caza Autism Spectrum 5 07-30-2008 02:12 AM
I have questions about ultrasound technican schooling or cardiovascular tech school Thatsmintttt Healthcare Professionals 0 12-13-2007 08:19 PM
pregnancy questions kirsten07 Pregnancy 4 07-31-2007 06:21 AM
autistic son can't answer questions Dolceaura Autism Spectrum 14 02-01-2007 06:09 PM
Questions about testing Mom22greatkids Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia 4 08-05-2006 08:22 AM
Experience, questions, and many thanks. theforlorn Panic Disorders 4 03-16-2005 10:12 PM
New Here-Questions about HF Autistic son's behaviors QuirkyMotherOf2 Autism Spectrum 6 10-11-2004 11:18 PM
questions OHangel266 Autism Spectrum 2 04-21-2004 07:55 PM




Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off









Top 10 Drugs Discussed on this Board.
(Go to DrugTalk.com for complete list)
Adderall
Clonidine
Depakote
Folic
Lamictal
  Prozac
Risperdal
Ritalin
Strattera
Zoloft


Message Boards
  • Open to All Other Health Topics
  • It's Life - Off Topic Discussions
  • Natural Disaster Sympathies and Support
  • Health News
  • HealthBoards Testimonials
  • Suggestions for New Boards
  • Registration/Membership/Site Problems
  • Health Issues
  • General Health
  • Abuse Support
  • Acid Reflux / GERD
  • Acne
  • Share Your Acne Story
  • Acne Tips
  • Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
  • ADD / ADHD
  • Addiction & Recovery
  • Addison's Disease
  • Aging Issues
  • Allergies
  • Alternative Medicine
  • Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia
  • Amputation / Prosthetic
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Anemia
  • Aneurysm
  • Anger Management
  • Angina
  • Anxiety
  • Share Your Anxiety Story
  • Anxiety Tips
  • Arthritis
  • Asperger's Syndrome
  • Asthma
  • Autism Spectrum
  • Autoimmune Disorders
  • Back Problems
  • Beauty & Cosmetics
  • Bell's Palsy
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Birth Control
  • Blood and Blood Vessel
  • Bone Disorders
  • Bowel Disorders
  • Brain & Head Injury
  • Brain & Nervous System Disorders
  • Brain Tumors
  • Breastfeeding
  • Burns & Injuries
  • Cancer
  • Cancer: Bladder
  • Cancer: Bone
  • Cancer: Brain
  • Cancer: Breast
  • Cancer: Cervical & Ovarian
  • Cancer: Colon
  • Cancer: Esophageal
  • Cancer: Kidney
  • Cancer: Lung
  • Cancer: Oral
  • Cancer: Pancreatic & Liver
  • Cancer: Prostate
  • Cancer: Rectal & Anal
  • Cancer: Skin
  • Cancer: Stomach
  • Cancer: Testicular
  • Cancer: Throat
  • Cancer: Thyroid
  • Cancer: Uterine
  • Candida
  • Caregivers
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Celiac Disease
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Children - Special Needs
  • Children's Health
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Codependency
  • Colds & Flu
  • Swine Flu (H1N1)
  • Cosmetic / Plastic Surgery
  • Costochondritis
  • Crohn's Disease / Ulcerative Colitis
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Death & Dying
  • Degenerative Diseases
  • Dental Health
  • Depression
  • Share Your Depression Story
  • Depression Tips
  • Diabetes
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Diet & Nutrition
  • Digestive Disorders
  • Disabilities
  • Divorce & Separation
  • Dizziness / Vertigo
  • Down Syndrome
  • Drug Interactions
  • Dyslexia
  • Dysphagia
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eating Disorder Recovery
  • Endocrine Disorders
  • Endometriosis
  • Environmental Disorders
  • Epilepsy
  • Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)
  • Exercise & Fitness
  • Eye & Vision
  • Family & Friends of Cancer Patients
  • Family & Friends of the Mentally Ill
  • Family Planning / Adoption
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Foot Problems
  • Gallbladder
  • Genetic Disorders
  • Grief & Loss
  • Hair Loss / Alopecia
  • Hair Problems
  • Headaches & Migraines
  • Health Insurance Issues
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Hearing Disorders
  • Heart Disorders
  • Hepatitis
  • Hernia
  • Herpes
  • High & Low Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol
  • HIV Prevention
  • HIV/AIDS Living With
  • Hormone Problems
  • Hospice
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Hypochondria
  • Hysterectomy
  • Immune Disorders
  • Incontinence
  • Infant Care (up to 18 months old)
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Infertility
  • Share Your Infertility Story
  • Inner Ear Disorders
  • Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Kidney Disorders
  • Knee & Hip Problems
  • Lasik Eye Surgery
  • Learning Disorders
  • Leukemia
  • Liver & Pancreas Disorders
  • Lung & Respiratory Disorders / COPD
  • Lupus
  • Lyme Disease
  • Share Your Lyme Disease Story
  • Lymphedema
  • Lymphomas
  • Men's Health
  • Menopause
  • Mental Health
  • Mesothelioma
  • Military Health Issues
  • Miscarriage & Still Birth
  • Mononucleosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Myositis
  • Nail Problems
  • Neurofibromatosis
  • Neurology
  • Neuromuscular Diseases
  • Neuropathy
  • Nutritional Disorders
  • Obesity
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Occupational Health & Safety
  • Orthopedic
  • Osteoporosis
  • Pain Management
  • Chronic Pain
  • Share Your Pain Management Story
  • Panic Disorders
  • Paralysis
  • Parenting Issues
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Personality Disorder
  • Phobias
  • Pituitary Disease
  • Polio
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Postpartum Depression (PPD)
  • Pregnancy
  • Share Your Pregnancy Story
  • Pregnancy Tips
  • 2010 Mommies
  • 2011 Mommies
  • Pregnancy-Teen
  • Prostatitis
  • Psoriasis
  • Rape / Sexual Abuse
  • Rare Disorders
  • Raynaud's Syndrome
  • Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
  • Relationship Health
  • Restless Leg Syndrome
  • Rosacea
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Schizophrenia
  • Scoliosis
  • Self-injury Recovery
  • Senior Health
  • Sexual Dysfunction Treatment
  • Sexual Health - General
  • Sexual Health - Men
  • Sexual Health - Teens
  • Sexual Health - Women
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases
  • Shingles
  • Shoulder / Rotator Cuff Problems
  • Shyness
  • Sickle Cell Anemia
  • Sinus Problems
  • Sjögren's Syndrome
  • Skin Problems
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Speech & Language Disorders
  • Spinal Cord Disorders
  • Stress
  • Stroke
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
  • Teen Health
  • Thyroid Disorders
  • TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint
  • Tourette Syndrome
  • Transplants
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Trying to Conceive (TTC)
  • Urology
  • Vaccination & Immunization
  • Vitamins & Supplements
  • Weight Loss
  • Weight Loss / Surgical
  • West Nile Virus
  • Women's Health



  • TOP THANKED CONTRIBUTORS

    Autism Spectrum

    mscat40 (13), Suzanne44 (4), tysonsmum (2), Administrator (2), elmhar (2), sadie1000 (1), tamekacares (1), meechieny (1), LadinaB (1), sume74 (1)

    Site Wide Totals

    thanbey (581), janewhite1 (528), BlueSkies14 (511), SpineAZ (484), DGabriel10 (465), mscat40 (419), tetonteri66 (419), jennybyc (402), sammy64 (390), jgrangran (360)

    All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:30 AM.



    Site owned and operated by HealthBoards.com™
    Copyright and Terms of Use © 1998-2012 HealthBoards.com™ All rights reserved.
    Do not copy or redistribute in any form!


    SEO by vBSEO ©2011, Crawlability, Inc.