tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.comments2011-04-16T13:56:20.632+10:00Autism AffectsKarenDFrancishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177762743585811620noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-29866887525213194682011-04-16T13:56:20.632+10:002011-04-16T13:56:20.632+10:00Jono did lots of talking while doing our Easter th...Jono did lots of talking while doing our Easter theme; matching egg patterns, counting hidden eggs, sponging 'opposite' rabbits, revealing a hidden chick, etc...he did great, and was proud of his work!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-8347608361655305932009-08-27T17:32:54.907+10:002009-08-27T17:32:54.907+10:00Hi Genevieve, thanks for your comments, Jono is 8 ...Hi Genevieve, thanks for your comments, Jono is 8 (9 soon) and my other 2 will be 7 and 11 this year.<br />I think we are becoming more aware of what he is aware of and what he figures are the right things to be happening in the day. It's learning for all of us :)<br />KarenKarenDFrancishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177762743585811620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-47821202169607239372009-08-25T20:45:54.037+10:002009-08-25T20:45:54.037+10:00I'm new to your blog, so I don't know how ...I'm new to your blog, so I don't know how old Jonos is, but I love him already. My eldest daughter has ADD, which is nothing like Autism, but I sure remember the necessity of routine. Even minute changes like turning right instead of left made all the difference in the world.<br /><br />It must mean a lot to see him aware of routine, though. Gives you a little more insight into that precious mind.Genevieve Grahamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17138099256899984001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-55987586902510051622009-08-13T15:43:51.144+10:002009-08-13T15:43:51.144+10:00Hi Chaslyn, Thanks for your interest. I can only g...Hi Chaslyn, Thanks for your interest. I can only give you one perspective as I only spend any large amount of time with one Autistic person... I do know others, but I don't spend anywhere near as much time with them.<br /><br />One thing at a a time - as for talking, Jono has 'suddenly' realised what talking is good for, and that he can get his point across better with words, he can initiate conversations with people, and hold 3-5 word sentences for 5-6 turns, back and forth. This has only occurred in the past few month, at the beginning of this year we were lucky to get 3 word sentences, and only one at a a time. I know of Autistic teenagers who are not talking at the age of 13-14 years, and I also know autistic children who can talk extremely well from a young age, though it's not always in a fashion that makes sense to the conversation being had.<br /><br />As to the dancing, generally they love rhythm and dance, and will 'boogie' along to songs that make them feel good, but in my experience it's only brief moments. They can learn a routine, but it's very challenging. Last Christmas Jono performed 3 little dances that he performed with his school end of year concert, even doing a solo, but total time would have been around 10 minutes for all 3 performances. Where as the year before he simply sat on the ground and cried because the music was too loud.<br /><br />As to how they dance around others? I'd say they are relatively unconcerned about the 'others' and just happy doing their own thing and feeling good.<br /><br />Feel free to ask me any other questions you may have and best of luck with your play.KarenDFrancishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177762743585811620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-70493506439522749992009-08-12T07:57:04.537+10:002009-08-12T07:57:04.537+10:00Hi, I am a jr highschooler...and im a playwright. ...Hi, I am a jr highschooler...and im a playwright. I am working on writing a play about an autistic child who dances. I was wondering if an autistic child can comprehend dance and if they can how do they 'dance' around others? Also, How do they communicate...can they talk like you and me??<br /><br />Thank you <br />chaslyn.twifan@gmail.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08524709822961328100noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-8619972908031568872009-05-11T17:19:00.000+10:002009-05-11T17:19:00.000+10:00Thanks for your comments Lonnie. I love the attitu...Thanks for your comments Lonnie. I love the attitude you have towards your daughter, and the way you talk about her. You are one of the people who I would say is a better person for being a Mother.<br /><br />I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day.<br />KarenKarenDFrancishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177762743585811620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-54897720638714848792009-05-11T08:06:00.000+10:002009-05-11T08:06:00.000+10:00Dear Karen,
My princess has ADD, dysgraphia & ...Dear Karen,<br />My princess has ADD, dysgraphia & Irlen Syndrome. She is smart talented and beautiful on top of it all. :) I understand to a small degree what you have gone through as a Mama. Trying to get a diagnosis and not be treated like a lunatic by a Dr. is the most difficult part of it all. Once you know what is going on with your punkin then you can do your homework and begin to truly parent rather than putting on bandaids. Cheers to all of us who need to nurture a bit more than the norm, fight a lot harder than is expected and deeply appreciate each victory our child has. <br />Hugs, <br />Lonniepickleberrieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15803027398995693816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-18041268423803102992009-04-05T10:08:00.000+10:002009-04-05T10:08:00.000+10:00Thankyou for your kind comments Judi, Jono is 8 an...Thankyou for your kind comments Judi, Jono is 8 and a half and the things they do matter so so much. It's hard to explain to my other kids why it matters so much to Mummy that Jono filled a water bottle... when they've been doing it for years. It's not just the action, it's the possibilities from the action, the understanding behind the action, and the future. But my kids rejoice too, they have a look in their eyes that shows pride and respect for their brother, and it's wonderful.<BR/>KarenKarenDFrancishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177762743585811620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-27157280271708603412009-04-04T13:40:00.000+10:002009-04-04T13:40:00.000+10:00I almost cried at this post. This reminds me of my...I almost cried at this post. This reminds me of my son, now 16, and the first time he began to "do" something. It is a magical moment when you don't realize you stopped breathing until you start again.<BR/><BR/>Yes, I, too, did a dance for you and Juno. I don't know how old he is, but this explodes the world for you and him. So much more can be accomplished.foodie4accesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18330907602345940970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-82192647629967130722009-03-31T21:59:00.000+10:002009-03-31T21:59:00.000+10:00Heya KF,Thanks so much for your insight, it's true...Heya KF,<BR/><BR/>Thanks so much for your insight, it's true we struggle to see when 'we' need help let alone when others around us need it.<BR/><BR/>It is a good thing for him to have an independent outlet, andwith all the feedback here, I feel more secure about the decision... he's been asking for the past few days when he gets to go again, he's quite enjoying it to start off, so that's great :)<BR/>KarenKarenDFrancishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177762743585811620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-8964207531222163932009-03-30T15:55:00.000+10:002009-03-30T15:55:00.000+10:00Hi Kaz,We struggle so much to admit that WE need h...Hi Kaz,<BR/><BR/>We struggle so much to admit that WE need help, yet we are always the first to give others whatever they need to help them with whatever they are going through (remember high school and later when our parents split up? U were there for me & I hope I was there for u). A counsellor gives Daniel an independent outlet, and he doesn't have to worry if he complains about his siblings - there is no consequence. Better he deals with everything now than bottle it up until it explodes.<BR/><BR/>Good on you for recognising this for him - and for you as well.<BR/><BR/>Thoughts always with you - and always remember that you are doing an awesome job.KFnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-55296987173340279652009-03-29T15:49:00.000+10:002009-03-29T15:49:00.000+10:00Hi T,thankyou as well for your feedback. I 'know' ...Hi T,<BR/>thankyou as well for your feedback. I 'know' this is going to be good for him, but in the back of my mind I'm questioning the decision. It's good to hear another Mum has had a positive experience with it. :)KarenDFrancishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177762743585811620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-80251006812717916162009-03-29T10:57:00.000+10:002009-03-29T10:57:00.000+10:00the greatest gift I gave my now-15 yr old is her t...the greatest gift I gave my now-15 yr old is her therapist, at age 9. I truly believe she is doing as well as she is now because she started early. Highly anxious, perfectionistic and rigid... a combination for trouble.<BR/><BR/>She has her therapist to talk to, and I am so glad.<BR/><BR/>T.Tina@ SendChocolateNowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04756286418593037399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-77828294134599639162009-03-29T09:10:00.000+10:002009-03-29T09:10:00.000+10:00Hi Judielise, I so appreciate your comment.It's ve...Hi Judielise, I so appreciate your comment.<BR/><BR/>It's very true how we are about physical health, and yet are as a society so hesitant about mental health. For myself, it has definitely been a case of *breathe in* Oh no, another label? *breathe out*.<BR/><BR/>I had those thoughts for a few moments while with the principal, but very quickly dismissed them, especially after talking with my husband and he and I both talked about times we had counseling as we were growing up, and I realised it's not 'that' big a thing for us as a family.<BR/><BR/>I also think about the good hearing about things like this can do for us as parents, so we can care for all of our kids needs.<BR/><BR/>You're comments have encouraged me as a mother and I thank you for that.<BR/><BR/>KarenKarenDFrancishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177762743585811620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-80764734720893021302009-03-27T21:28:00.000+10:002009-03-27T21:28:00.000+10:00My young son has been in and out of counseling sin...My young son has been in and out of counseling since he was 8 or 9 years old. I thoroughly recommend it.<BR/><BR/>There is such a stigma against getting mental health help, and yet, if our child ran a fever for more than 24 hours, we would not hesitate to take them to the physical health doctor.<BR/><BR/>With all the understanding and advances science has made regarding the human brain, how we think and interact, I still find families desperately needing help, but not seeking it. It happens because of fear and denial of a problem to not wanting to admit any mental weakness. And, yet, you put it so eloquently: we all need support.<BR/><BR/>I applaud you for your decision and writing this post. Perhaps I will also write a post regarding this subject. The more people hear stories like this one, the less fear and denial will rob people and their child of their mental well-being.<BR/><BR/>@judielisefoodie4accesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18330907602345940970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-32715592214107228432009-03-27T15:35:00.000+10:002009-03-27T15:35:00.000+10:00Yes they really have been a great help for him,. I...Yes they really have been a great help for him,. I think he's had 2 'episodes' of not wanting to wear it since we started with them, and the past few days we've been putting them on in the carpark. <BR/>Who knew?<BR/>It's great coming into winter too as he is wearing 2 layers already :)KarenDFrancishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177762743585811620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-84755232221055507402009-03-24T15:55:00.000+10:002009-03-24T15:55:00.000+10:00Yes I forgot about those other times, there are ma...Yes I forgot about those other times, there are many others as well, these 3 are the biggest ones in my mind as they lasted for more than 10 minutes.<BR/><BR/>Thankyou for the suggestions, and for me it is a question of 'what' will he tolerate / understand / use, and what is obvious to other people who may 'happen' upon him in the time that he is missing... it's not easy, but with ideas and suggestions I think we can come up with something that can at least provide comfort for me and Rob :)KarenDFrancishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177762743585811620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-5341997322435848292009-03-08T14:15:00.000+10:002009-03-08T14:15:00.000+10:00I hear that T. I know a few people who don't eat w...I hear that T. I know a few people who don't eat when stressed, but it seems to be less than people who do eat more, or smoke, or drink, or etc... we are bad carers of ours bodies at times.<BR/><BR/>I think the hardest thing is seeing where you are at when it happens, and then also seeing that it will be ok, even if it takes a while. I find it's usually not until hindsight kicks in, which has definitely been my case.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the comment. :)KarenDFrancishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177762743585811620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-80218147994907373832009-03-08T13:56:00.000+10:002009-03-08T13:56:00.000+10:00funny how different we can all be. Usually my prob...funny how different we can all be. Usually my problem in NOT eating, not overeating. When I am stressed the first thing that happens is that I don't eat.<BR/><BR/>T.Tina@ SendChocolateNowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04756286418593037399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-68761783972480622032006-04-18T14:08:00.000+10:002006-04-18T14:08:00.000+10:00Welcome to the 'blogosphere'. I blog for the same...Welcome to the 'blogosphere'. I blog for the same reasons you mentioned for me and for everybody else. Thinking I might have an impact to someone else is what gives me a lot, but not all, of the motivation. Sometimes it's just for me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-4367126214514701732006-05-19T23:17:00.000+10:002006-05-19T23:17:00.000+10:00GRAB! Ok so now people are wondering why I am ca...GRAB! Ok so now people are wondering why I am calling you this, lol.. I am glad to pop in and see what snippets of your day are like... I will add you and you family to my prayers for strength to put one foot in front of the other every day.. I will pray for smiles and loads of bubbles for your son as well... You know I love ya girl!!!<br><br>~Rora~<br>(Dawnn is my name in RL)<br><br>hugs and thanks fo allowing me the pleasure of reading about you and your awesome family...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-70365912827429302852006-05-24T03:07:00.000+10:002006-05-24T03:07:00.000+10:00Grab/Karen,Thanks again for sharing your blog with...Grab/Karen,<br><br>Thanks again for sharing your blog with TWMBK and with me. :) This is a hard row to hoe, and I support you every step of the way. Your family is in my thoughts!<br><br>/hugs!<br><br>Ahmi (Alliance side), Heidiau (Horde side), or just plain Leslie (Real Life side!)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-32891304842654575582006-06-30T20:38:00.000+10:002006-06-30T20:38:00.000+10:00Karen, very rarely do one get to find a person who...Karen, very rarely do one get to find a person who almost, always looks at the positive and brighter side of things.<br><br>I just realized what a 'positive' person you are after reading this line from your post...:)))<br><br><b><i>"I don't know if he really understands now either... but the couch was in need of a clean anyways :)"</i></b><br><br>You are a great MOM! and Jonathan a wonderful kid!<br><br>Take care.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-49058033587769626242006-07-20T19:44:00.000+10:002006-07-20T19:44:00.000+10:00WOW!!! This is really encouraging. :). I wish you ...WOW!!! This is really encouraging. :). I wish you more and more such exciting moments Karen.:))). My prayers for you, Jonathan and your family.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319987866648456683.post-72687923403155473112006-07-23T05:09:00.000+10:002006-07-23T05:09:00.000+10:00Isn't it wonderful when you get moments like that?...Isn't it wonderful when you get moments like that? Things other parents take for granted, or are even bothered by :)<br><br>My three year old daughter was diagnosed with Autism, is MR, and is severely physically delayed (she can't walk, mainly due to the aversion to touching things with her hands and holding on to learn to stand). <br><br>She's my princess, and each inchstone means so much :) I'm so glad you posted your blog. I'm sure I'll read it often!<br><br>Jen<br>VeiledoneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com