Anthony Said:

Refusing to provide OT for autistic child?

We Answered:

Unfortunately, this situation is not uncommon although you and I both know OT is usually essential for most autists. I would get the last OT's treatment goals with the specific goals she had set through Floortime. I assume they were social goals which are crucial, essential and LEGAL through your child's IEP, to be implemented in the school setting (using utensils is a biggie. I have dealt with this myself with my autistic son).

Once you have the former OT's set of goals and tx plan, ask for a new IEP verbally and in writing.The IEP team has a MAXIMUM 60 days to have the new IEP meeting, legally.

If you feel your child's needs are still not being met, ask for a Mediator. The school system must legally then provide a unbiased (cannot be employed through the school system), mediator to help resolve these issues at THEIR expense.

Best wishes and keep up the good fight!!

Jeanne Said:

Autism,When is enough , enough?

We Answered:

I am sorry that you are going through this. I know that your son is not what you thought that he would be. Focus on his strengths and love them! Accept that he is who he was created to be. I worked at a Lovaas replication sight for 4 years. I then worked as a case manager for individuals with autism. There is no such thing as a cure. There are significant gains that are made. Strive to give your son the best life that is possible for him. Having a completely burned out, frustrated mother will not be in his best interest, Do you know how when you are on an airplane, they tell you that in case of loss of cabin pressure, to be sure to put your own mask on before helping others? There is something to be said for that in the world of disabilities, too. Take care of yourself, or you will be no good to your family. Re-evaluate what you are doing. What is working? I had some kids on the GFCG diet who very much responded to the lack of casein and gluten. Others...well...I know that mom and dad WANTED to see a change, but it clearly made no difference. If it's not working, don't do it. Research chelation. I have honestly never seen anyone make any significant gains from it, but that doesn't mean that no one does. Hang in there. I don't know how you feel because I don't have kids, but I have the utmost respect for parents of children with autism. Hugs. (Or would you prefer to purchase a weighted vest and just wear that in leau of the hug? LOL),

Oh...as a side note. I have a friend with asperger's. He told me that he sees the world like this:
There are trains and there are cars. I am a car. I change my mind and go a different direction than I originally planned. I drive on asphalt. I can travel alone or share the road. I move quickly, but not as fast as a train. He is a train. When he begins to move, he goes much faster than a car, but he cannot change directions suddenly. He can't take alternate routes. He doesn't like to share the tracks with other trains. The problem occurs when the cars make the trains share their asphault. The trains tear up the roads and contually crash. They get stuck, and the cars get angry. But....who ever said that they would make good trains? Why can't we just give him tracks to ride on?

It's a valid point.

Perry Said:

occupational therapist?

We Answered:

You need to get your masters/phd in occupational therapy from a AOTA accredited program that are offered at vast amount of colleges and universities and you can specialize children with down syndrome or autism in one of those programs. And then have to pass the exam to become licensed and if you want to work in a hospital you may be required to get SPR certified.

Traits you should have is: Friendly, outgoing, encouraging, and i cant stress this enough YOU MUST BE PATIENT!!!

The job is definitly rewarding and at times fun. But it can also be frustrating and straining. It's great when one of your patients accomplishes something like working a stove which may to some people seem insignificant even when it very impressive since it helps them develop there small muscle groups. And you might be having the time of your life playing catch with one of them to work on there coordination. But your on your feet all day and occasionally will just want to pass out. And then maybe your patient has made any progress at all in months and your frustrated and feel like a failure. But overall i reccomend the job since your really making a huge difference in peoples lives. Also there is a huge demand for occupational therapists so finding a job in that field is easy and they have very good pay anywhere from 60,000-85,000 a year.

Roberta Said:

My son was diagnosed with autism a few weeks ago, he's 2 1/2. He has been going to the local hospital 2x a

We Answered:

You should check into a therapy called Neurofeedback or Bio feedback. They are easy, painless, and very effective. It's an amazing break through that has been around for a while, but mainstream medicine doesn't agree with the success rates. Trust me, do some research on it.

Elaine Said:

I am so scared that my son has autism,HELP!?

We Answered:

Well, it really depends on the individual. Autism affects each person differently, 2 people who have the same characteristics and severity of them can act completely different from each other and have completely different forms of treatment. You also have different forms of autism..autistic disorder (what people are usually referring to as autism); asperger's disorder (some people refer to it as high functioning autism); and PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified..aka atypical autism). The stress per family will vary as to what form of autism they may have and the severity of it, but then again too, everyone handles stress differently, you may have a family who has someone with a mild case of autism and find it very stressful but another with someone who has a severe case of it and not find it so stressful, so it's really hard to say how it will affect a family. For us here, both my hubby and I actually find it more stressful with our 2 older sons who do not have a learning disability than with our son with autism.
The earlier they receive treatment/services the more likely the will live a very normal life. People with autism tend to excel in math, music, and art. Some may not see it this way, but autism can be a very special gift too. My youngest has autism, he is 5 and was diagnosed at age 3. He does lack in social interaction and communication skills, has sensory integration and delays in oral and fine motor skills, but he is sooo smart, he has almost a photographic memory and actually he may have one, and he can process stuff so fast. I won't go into the details, but I really think it would amaze you if I did, many have mentioned they think he is a savant, but it's long process to truly know and only about 10% of people with autism actually have savant capabilities. I do know that he knows more than his peers and in some areas more than older children and adults. He finished pre-k this past school year and the school expects him to be in the gifted program before long. I honestly do feel that his gift would not of been possible without his autism and although he has areas to improve in, I would never want to take his gift away from him.