Got a WONDERFUL e-mail from DS9's teacher yesterday!

[JESW]

If you've followed my story over the last few months you know that we've gone through a lot with our son who has recently been diagnosed with Aspergers. His teacher has been great and lets me know how DS' day has gone...if he completed work, participated in class, etc. Well, sadly, many of her reports had to do with DS banging his head on his desk, hiding under his desk, crying, getting frustrated and not completing his work, etc.

But yesterday I got a glowing e-mail from her! DS completed his reading reflection (writing is extremely hard for him), finished all his math (which also involved writing), participated completely in science class, and was involved with his classmates throughout the day! YAY!!!! I was crying by the time I finished reading it!

DS started (a low dosage) of medication on sunday. The first day it made him sick and he slept a lot. The second day he slept but not as much. Yesterday was the 5th day and it seems to have kicked in. When he prescribed it the dr. said it would help to "connect the dots in DS' brain to help him work and to cut down on the impulsiveness" I NEVER thought I would get that kind of report from his teacher! Needless to say, DH and I are so happy and SO PROUD of DS and we make sure he knows it! He also seems happier, and for him that's a big deal.

Just wanted to share with my DIS friends.....things CAN get better!!!

Jill

 

[Big V]

That's great! I'm glad your DS is doing well and that was very nice of his teacher to send you that nice message!

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

That's wonderful news. My DS9's teachers can tell if I forget to give him his medicine.

Lori

 

[Pooh93]

That's wonderful!

 

[lindamg]

I'm glad to hear that things are going so well. As a teacher I can appreciate what that means to you and your son. We so often hear that American is overmedicating their children, and in general I do tend to agree with that statement, but there are always some cases where medication is entirely appropriate and can seem to work miracles in a young person's life. Several times in my career I have seen medication, used correctly, literally change a child's life. Kudos to you for working through difficult problems and finding what works for your child.

 

[melk]

I'm so happy for you and your DS, Jill! You must have been just thrilled to read that email!

Noticed your countdown timer...I am soooo jealous!

 

[JESW]

Thanks for the kind replies. I am happy to report that yesterday was not a fluke and I got another glowing report from his teacher today!!! I feel as if I have a new son - the son who was always there but didn't know how to come out. He is so much happier. In a bit we are off to a birthday party at a soccer place. DS does not like sports but he was thrilled to get the invitation and he is anxious to go. Thanks again.

Jill

P.S. Melissa - if you can be at Logan on the 19th I'll try to stow you in my carry-on! Are you and your family going to the DIS meet next weekend??

 

[debster812]

Jill,

That is JUST fantastic. I have a very young cousin, who is severely autistic, and we just sit and watch, and wonder what is going on in that world of his. I'm thrilled for your son, that he is able to be the child that he wants to be. He must be tickled to be going to the party too.

Best to all of you.

Debbie

 

[piglet too]

That is so great!!!!!

 

[melk]

Jill,
I wish I could fit in your carryon! But my family might notice me missing after a day or two.

I did see the thread on the Dis meet but we've had some long-standing plans for that weekend (nothing I can get out of).
But DH and I spent last weekend in town for our anniversary. Monday we were at Fanueil Hall and we saw the Mickey statues. I thought of all you Diser's crowded around the Ben Affleck Mickey and had a chuckle for myself. Have a great time, I'm sure it will get you psyched for your trip (as if you need to )

So happy again for your son, that he's doing so well!

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by JESW
DS started (a low dosage) of medication on sunday. The first day it made him sick and he slept a lot. The second day he slept but not as much. Yesterday was the 5th day and it seems to have kicked in. When he prescribed it the dr. said it would help to "connect the dots in DS' brain to help him work and to cut down on the impulsiveness"

May I ask what type of meds? I didn't know there was a med for Aspergers....never heard this before. I have a very good friend who's been getting the run around for years trying to get a diagnosis for her DS who is now 10 years old. He exibits classic Aspergers symptoms and is in a special ed class but she hasn't been able to get the official diagnosis yet....Anyway, she's read all kinds of stuff on this and shares alot of it and she's never mentioned medication so I was just curious.

 

[JESW]

Cruisinfamily - the medicine he is on is called ABILIFY - very new and it is not even approved by the FDA yet, which makes us nervous but dr. says it has been tested a lot. It is usually used for bi-polar and schitzophrenia (sp?) but they have found it helps the Asperger kids - helps them "connect the dots".

Have your friend look into it - the change in our son in just a few days has been nothing short of a miracle. Today he PLAYED soccer at the birthday party - something he never would have done before. He ASKED dh if he could help him clean up the kitchen tonight...he VOLUNTEERED to clean his room..we have had NO breakdowns the last couple of days - no fights to go to bed - no fights to go off to school. He seems to be HAPPIER and in a brighter mood - it has been a JOY!!!!

Sure hope that it continues.

If your friend suspects her DS has Aspergers then have him tested by a dr. who knows about it!! DS' pediatrician didn't know what it was and neither did my primary care. We went through the school and their psychologist pegged him right away and I knew it when I started reading up on it.

Jill

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by JESW
If your friend suspects her DS has Aspergers then have him tested by a dr. who knows about it!! DS' pediatrician didn't know what it was and neither did my primary care. We went through the school and their psychologist pegged him right away and I knew it when I started reading up on it.

She doesn't have alot of cash and her medical insurance is picky and this has been part of the problem. The recent quest has been for something called a "developmental pediatrician" who would be covered by her insurance and supposedly this is who to go to in order to find out once and for all. She's working on it but my goodness, it's been 10 years she's been working on it.

 

[JESW]

Cruisinfamily - can she get him tested through the school?? That's how we did it and we didn't have to pay a cent. Now we have him seeing the psychologist every other week and our insurance covers it. Not sure of what she has gone through at school or where she lives, but I believe the school SHOULD cover the cost of the evaluation. Good luck to her!!

Jill

 

[Manda1219]

Great news! I'm glad he's doing so well! Know that your family is in my thoughts, with hopes of continued success