Christmas is OVER

I guess I overlook a lot of the things that cause stress for Kendall.  I know changes in our "normal" routines and things make a big difference but I don't realize how bad it is anymore.  Christmas showed me how bad it is for Kendall.  The anxiety started to build probably a week before Christmas and by Christmas, Kendall didn't have any control left of her emotions.  This is so unfair to people with Aspergers.  They miss the enjoyment in so much because the anxiety takes control.  We made it through Christmas but the after Christmas shopping I like to do was not a great idea to do with Kendall.  We went to Wal-Mart and Kendall was overwhelmed by all the people, granted it's always hard for Kendall in stores, but she got to the point that not only was she telling me to move, not touch her, be quiet and all the things like that, but she was saying them to other people.  They were always in her way no matter how far away they were.  This kind of anxiety is horrible for her.  I'm thinking that I should probably just stop putting Kendall in these situations unless I have no other choice, BUT is it best to do that?  To not put her in a social setting that we know will stress her out, or should I do it in small increments of time so that she is forced to socialize?  I don't think it will be best to let her withdraw totally from the uncomfortable settings but I don't know.  Does anyone have any advice on something like this??

Questions of my own about Aspergers....

Do lots of kids with Aspergers have a problem with wetting the bed?  With my daughter it seems like she doesn't even realize she needs to go.... this doesn't always happen at night either, although this isn't real common of a problem with her during the day anymore.
Something else that seems to be an issue is weight.... we have been recommended to see a nutritionist or a dietary specialist, but at the same time the neurologist thinks this is a genetic metabolism problem, that Kendall's metabolism is pretty much non-functioning throughout the day.  Does anyone have any suggestions on how to help with the weight problem?  It isn't from what she eats, she isn't a junk food eater and it isn't from the amounts she eats, she doesn't eat enough to fill an average persons hunger with each meal.  This seems to be one thing that the doctors aren't much help with sooooooo can someone offer some advice from experience?

Just to Touch Basis

Had a few minutes before bed time and thought I'd post a couple of things I noticed with Kendall this last week.  We went back to school today for Madison's last day before Christmas break.  The second grade put their play on again for the primary school and this time Kendall did very well also.  A lady ask Kendall if she could sit with her and this made Kendall a bit uncomfortable.. BUT she managed.  

I'm thinking about having Kendall a shirt made to wear when we are out in public that says... "I have Asperger's, please don't touch me."  We went into a store this afternoon and Kendall as always wanted a stuffed animal. (She has a passion for animals) She picked out this huge stuffed snake.  While in line to check out a little old lady behind us decided to reach over and toss the end of the snake over Kendall's shoulder.  This was not a very smart thing to do.  Kendall's whole body language and facial expressions changed and the man with the lady said, "I think you scared her a little with that snake."  --- Do people in general just not respect total strangers personal space now days or what?  That didn't scare Kendall, you invaded her space!  I just moved Kendall over in front of me so that nothing was said about it.  Kendall has been given our full permission that if someone does something she doesn't like in respect to her personal space or makes a comment about her actions that can't be helped, she can speak up for herself and educate them a little on what her problems are so that they don't make the same mistake twice.  I prevented that with the lady today, she thought she was just playing with a "normal" child.  Anyway, just thought I would touch on that little issue.  I will try to post again before the weekend is over.  The kiddos are in bed, not asleep, and I've been sick for several days now and ready for bed myself. Have a good night!

Asperger's Sydrome

Found this posted somewhere.... pretty insightful, but I still think living in the life of Asperger's Syndrome is about the best form of education about it you can get.  I wouldn't trade my Aspie for the world!

Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's syndrome, also called Asperger's disorder, is a type of pervasive development disorder (PDD). PDDs are a group of conditions that involve delays in the development of many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize with others, to communicate, and to use imagination.

Although Asperger's syndrome is similar in some ways to autism -- another, more severe type of PDD -- there are some important differences. Children with Asperger's syndrome typically function better than do those with autism. In addition, children with Asperger's syndrome generally have normal intelligence and near-normal language development, although they may develop problems communicating as they get older.

Asperger's syndrome was named for the Austrian doctor, Hans Asperger, who first described the disorder in 1944. However, Asperger's syndrome was not recognized as a unique disorder until much later.

What Are the Symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome?

The symptoms of Asperger's syndrome vary and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

• Problems with social skills: Children with Asperger's syndrome generally have difficulty interacting with others and often are awkward in social situations. They generally do not make friends easily.
• Eccentric or repetitive behaviors: Children with this condition may develop odd, repetitive movements, such as hand wringing or finger twisting.
• Unusual preoccupations or rituals: A child with Asperger's syndrome may develop rituals that he or she refuses to alter, such as getting dressed in a specific order.
• Communication difficulties: People with Asperger's syndrome may not make eye contact when speaking with someone. They may have trouble using facial expressions and gestures, and understanding body language. They also tend to have problems understanding language in context.
• Limited range of interests: A child with Asperger's syndrome may develop an intense, almost obsessive, interest in a few areas, such as sports schedules, weather, or maps.
• Coordination problems: The movements of children with Asperger's syndrome may seem clumsy or awkward.
• Skilled or talented: Many children with Asperger's syndrome are exceptionally talented or skilled in a particular area, such as music or math.

What Causes Asperger's Syndrome?

The exact cause of Asperger's syndrome is not known. However, the fact that it tends to run in families suggests that a tendency to develop the disorder may be inherited (passed on from parent to child).

How Common Is Asperger's Syndrome?

Asperger's syndrome has only recently been recognized as a unique disorder. For that reason, the exact number of people with the disorder is unknown, although it is more common than autism. Estimates suggest Asperger's syndrome affects from 0.024% to 0.36% of children. It is more common in males than in females, and usually is first diagnosed in children between the ages of 2 and 6 years.

How Is Asperger's Syndrome Diagnosed?

If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical exam. Although there are no tests for Asperger's syndrome, the doctor may use various tests -- such as X-rays and blood tests -- to determine if there is a physical disorder causing the symptoms.

If no physical disorder is found, the child may be referred to a specialist in childhood development disorders, such as a child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, developmental pediatrician, or another health professional who is specially trained to diagnose and treat Asperger's syndrome. The doctor bases his or her diagnosis on the child's level of development, and the doctor's observation of the child's speech and behavior, including his or her play and ability to socialize with others. The doctor often seeks input from the child's parents, teachers, and other adults who are familiar with the child's symptoms.

How Is Asperger's Syndrome Treated?

There currently is no cure for Asperger's syndrome, but treatment may improve functioning and reduce undesirable behaviors. Treatment may include a combination of the following:

• Special education: Education that is structured to meet the child's unique educational needs.
• Behavior modification: This includes strategies for supporting positive behavior and decreasing problem behavior by the child.
• Speech, physical, or occupational therapy: These therapies are designed to increase the child's functional abilities.
• Medication : There are no medications to treat Asperger's syndrome itself, but drugs may be used to treat specific symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and obsessive-compulsive behavior.

What Is the Outlook for People With Asperger's Syndrome?

Children with Asperger's syndrome are at risk for developing other mental illnesses, such as depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. But, there are various treatment options available for these conditions.

Because the level of intelligence often is average or higher than average, many people with Asperger's syndrome are able to function very well. They may, however, continue to have problems socializing with others through adulthood.

Can Asperger's Syndrome Be Prevented?

Asperger's syndrome cannot be prevented or cured. However, early diagnosis and treatment can improve function and quality of life.

Autism - Home Treatment

Just some info I ran across that might be helpful to someone out there reading......

Having a child with autism requires taking a proactive approach to learning about the condition and its treatment while working closely with others involved in your child's care. You also need to take care of yourself so that you are able to face the many challenges of having a child with autism.

Educate yourself about autism

Ask your doctor or contact autism groups to find training about autism and how to manage symptoms. Parent and family education has been shown to reduce family stress and improve a child's functioning.⁵ Understanding the condition and knowing what to expect is an important part of helping your child develop independence.
Become informed about your child's educational rights. Federal laws require services for handicapped children, including those with autism. Also, there may be state and local laws or policies to aid children who have autism. Find out what services are available in your area.
Learning about autism will also help prepare you for when your child reaches adulthood. Some adults with autism can live by themselves, work, and be as independent as other people their age. Others need continued support.

Work closely with others who care for your child

Close communication with others involved in your child's education and care will help all concerned. The best treatment for children with autism is a team approach and a consistent, structured program. Everyone involved needs to work together to set goals for:

• Education.
• Identifying and managing symptoms of autism and any related conditions.
• Behavior and interactions with family and peers, adjustment to different environments, and social and communication skills.

Work closely with the health professionals involved in your child's care. It is important that they take time to listen to your concerns and are willing to work with you.

Take care of yourself

Learn ways to handle the normal range of emotions, fears, and concerns that go along with raising a child who has autism. The daily and long-term challenges put you and your other children at an increased risk for depression or stress-related illnesses. The way you handle these issues influences other family members.

• Get involved in a hobby, visit with friends, and learn ways to relax.
• Seek and accept support from others. Consider using respite care, which is a family support service that provides a break for parents and siblings. Also, support groups for parents and siblings are often available. People who participate in support groups can benefit from others' experiences. For more information on support groups in your area, contact the Autism Society of America at www.autism-society.org.
• Talk with a doctor about whether counseling would help if you or one of your children is having trouble handling the strains related to having a family member with autism.

December 5th - 9th, 2011

This week started out with an appointment with the psychologist for Kendall.  We see the psychologist once every two weeks right now.  This appointment was a little different, Kendall wasn't so great with her eye contact this time and normally that is something the psychologist comments on as to how great Kendall is about that since it's not so easy for someone with Aspergers that tends to be a little socially withdrawn.  I think a lot of this no eye contact was a result from seeing a man in Wal-Mart.  Kendall and I were Christmas shopping and a man spoke to us and ask Kendall how she was doing.  Kendall replied with, "I'm good, how are you?"  He told her, "I am great!" and then mumbled lots of words really fast and Kendall realized they had something in common... neither classified as "normal".  Kendall normally doesn't notice that she is not just like everyone else, but for some reason she noticed this time.  This bothered her emotionally.  She felt sorry for him and withdrew herself socially so that no one noticed she was different too.  In a way I feel like this was progress for Kendall because she showed emotion for someone else but at the same time this caused some regression for Kendall.  We had a long discussion about the fact that if we really looked hard... most people aren't what we seem to think is "normal" and it takes all kinds of people to make the world go around.  It took Kendall a couple of days to get back to herself and be our typical Kendall.  This week other than that has been pretty calm and collected with not a lot of emotional breakdowns or any high anxiety moments.  Anxiety is a big problem for Kendall, no medications seem to work for this with her so we gave up and are medication free for about a year now.  Our big test of the week for anxiety was Thursday night... Madison, our other daughter that is 7, had a Christmas program at school.  This meant Kendall would have to sit around people she didn't know and lots of them.  I have to say though, she did great.  After an hour of sitting and listening to 2nd graders sing, Kendall was still calm and hadn't had a panic attack.  She had just started to tell me she was ready to go home a couple of times and normally the anxiety would have hit before we even got there.  We were very proud of her, to us this was a big accomplishment.  
We are at her Granny and Papa's house for the weekend, Kendall loves to be here, but for some reason she seems to try everyone a little more when we are here.  It seems sometimes that her favorite place is one she needs to make chaotic.  So far she hasn't kept up any negative behaviors to cause arguments with the adults though.  The only problem we have had was over a coloring book.  I don't know how typical of Aspergers this is, but if Kendall makes her mind up about something being hers, it's hers. This was the case with the coloring book.  It did of course belong to Madison but Kendall just knows Madison had erased her name out of it.  After about 15 minutes of them arguing with each other, Madison gave in and let Kendall color a picture but did not allow herself to be called a liar about who the book actually belonged to.  We all know it was Madison's but still in Kendall's mind it was hers and her name had been erased.  Does this happen with Aspies often?  Or just at my house?   
Kendall and Madison are both in bed asleep now, and sleep is a very rare thing for Kendall.  I cannot for the life of me see how she survives on so little sleep.  There are nights that Kendall doesn't sleep at all and wont nap during the day either.  This goes on for several nights in a row at times.  I get so tired after several nights of little or no sleep.  I am going to go catch up on some sleep while she is sleeping well and will post again before we leave to go home tomorrow about how the rest of the weekend went. 

Have a good night!

To A New Beginning

First off, let me introduce myself... I am Jennifer Luckett, it is very nice to meet you.  Thank you for taking a few minutes to check out my blog.  This is all new to me, but I am going to start this in hopes of letting people in on our lives in living with Aspergers Syndrome.  So many people make so many assumptions and most of them are.... wrong.  We have lots of ups and downs, but people, an Autism Spectrum Disorder doesn't ruin life and it doesn't do away with all the "normal".. it just changes it.  Our daughter Kendall is 10 right now and was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome about 2 years ago.  It explains some of the things we had gone through up until that point and I was finally thankful that a doctor was on the same page with me on thinking maybe this was her problem instead of nonstop trying to treat her for ADD/ADHD or manic depression.  

I am going to blog on the weekends and just give everyone insight on what goes on in our lives.  I am keeping a "Kendall Keeper" during the week to keep up with what she goes through and maybe figure out what triggers her meltdowns and high anxiety moments and plan to share them.  Maybe this will help some parents or even adults realized you are NOT alone in what you go through and hopefully we can share some advice on parenting and living with Aspergers.