So many of you know that we have had some real issues with our son Ethan. Let me start by saying that Ethan is an amazing kid. He is incredibly loving and is very determined to do the things he knows are right. He is the one that is constantly telling us, "they said shut up on that show, do you think it is appropriate in our dedicated home?" (Seriously) He is a genius. Yeah I know EVERYONE'S kid is a genius and my girls ARE incredibly smart too but Ethan actually is a genius. He taught himself (I wish I could take the credit but I can't) to read at around 2 and a half years old. We were out at Clear Creek one day and our two-year-old asks, "Dad what does 'potable' mean (he pronounced it pottable but hey he was two)?" We finally saw the sign he was pointing at that said, "Notice water is not potable". His first grade teacher taught all of the kids to count to 30 in Cantonese. We were in the car again and I heard what sounded like Ethan Chanting in the back seat and so I asked what he was saying. He replied, "I figured out that there is a pattern and so I can count to 99 in Cantonese but I am stuck because I don't know the word for 100, can I look it up online when we get home?" I could go on and on with all of his good points but he has his struggles too.
Ethan has ADHD. We have tried diet changes, environment changes, coping technique counseling, and 4 different medications. Everything has helped. . . a little. Unfortunately most of the meds had side effects that were worse than the ADHD (hitting, crying, anger, aggression. . . ). We are back to the first med we tried that has so far been the most helpful. Ethan will tell you that it isn't just about the meds, that he has to make good choices or all the meds in the world won't help so he doesn't use it as a crutch. Throughout this process we have had 2 teachers and 2 principals suggest that Ethan might have Asperger's Syndrome. It is a very high functioning form of Autism characterized by high intelligence, poor social skills, and bad handwriting (click here for more information). Obviously it is more in depth than that but you get the point. At first I was against even pursuing the idea, I didn't want any stigma associated with the word autism applied to my son. He doesn't need help being the weird one. :) I have realized that one, I was just being judgemental and shallow concerning the word autism and that it can only help to find out if it does apply, then at least I would have and idea how best to help my sweet son. Long story short in about a week Ethan is going to meet with a doctor in flagstaff who specializes in ADHD and hopefully then we will have some better answers to help Ethan.
So I guess the point of this blog is that I would love to hear any advice anyone has on either ADHD or Asperger's Syndrome. Thanks for the support! :)
8 comments:
How the heck are ya?
I agree, Ethan is amazing!
You'll have to let me know how the Dr visit goes!
Reading at two? Sounds like an amazing little boy. I know nothing about aspergers syndrome. I have several friends with sons around the same age as yours and mine that have been diagnosed with ADHD. With that being said,here's what's been on my mind lately. Not too sure if it will help or not...My little guy Trent is a handful to say the least. I look at Trent's friends, and they are all the same way, with a few exceptions. I know my parents as well as Tracy's someitmes shake their heads because they can't understand what makes Trent so crazy sometimes. For a long time there, I was being judged - you know the "nip it at the bud" thing... The things he does are just insane. But looking out, there seems to be this little generation of boys that are acting the same way. Could it be the enviroment we live in? All the chemicals we ingest during pregnancy that could cause this? I am not too sure. I wonder if the Lord has something special plannned for these strong willed spirits. What will they have to do that would take so much strengh? What will they have to face? And as parents, we have the responsibility to teach them? That scares me to death. I hope you find some answers about little Ethan with the Dr. I have no doubt that he is a great kid, and I know that he has good parents :) Meanwhile, you're in our prayers and keep us posted!
O.k. I'm pretty sure my nephew has the same thing. We knew he had ADHD and just recently has been diagnosed with autism. But he still functions so I'm pretty sure he has the same thing as Ethan. He's in 3rd grade. Anyway my sister is against meds. And after a long search she finally discovered something that has totally changed her kid around.What you described about Ethan and social and behavioral problems describes my nephew to a tee. We'll my whole family has told me that since she discovered this all natural thing, I think its called Zero Point,along with other natural stuff, that he is a totally different kid. Which is awesome. Anyway I thought maybe if you would like I can get in touch with her for you. And eventually you two could talk through email at least. Also my Aunt Marilyn is pretty close to her so you could give her a call to and see what she knows. Anyway let me know. My sister lives in mesa so at least she can get you info easy and maybe meet up with you. I know she would be happy to help, believe me. I can give my sister your email or vice versa. And you can go from there. So email me. daneenlk81@yahoo.com
Daneen
My sisters name is Donna Callison and her son is Brody.
Ethan is one amazing kid!! I hope you guys can get some info and awnsers whe you go to the doctor. I still can't believe that he taught himself to read at age 2 1/2! Amazing. Good luck
Honestly it is amazing how much more we are hearing about syndromes or diseases. Anyhow, on to my point about that. My sis-in-law just had her 4 year old son diagnosed with spd & aspergers. Anyhow, he too is so intelligent and sounds very similar to how you are discribing your son's intelligence. While they are still in early stages of "what next," and are just starting advancements in "normal" living...(if there really is such a thing)I just want to give you my support I know that their little minds have a hundred million things going on all the time and its hard to calm them down, but i know that she tries to set aside a certain time everyday to talk one on one with him about things he is interested in that day and allow his mental creativity to "purposly flow". Good luck on your testing and I look forward to updates.
O.k. I talked to my sis. She wants you to email her. She said, "She needs to know what I know." So contact her as soon as you can. donnacallison@cox.net And if anyone else you know wants to contact her they can also. Really, I think she can help you out.
I have no advice. Well, maybe a little, but not about Aspergers itself. Remember that jumping over that first hurdle of overcoming a negative stigma -before truly understanding- is sometimes harder than the rest of the hurdles. Sometimes. I hope all goes well. Ethan sounds like an incredible kid! ~Lynsie
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