TerryJ2
Well-Known Member
... by Chantal Sicile-Kira.
I love this book!
I've underlined and dogeared nearly every page.
If difficult child isn't on the spectrum, what the heck. This book is so useful and so validating, I don't care.
Temper tantrums, hyperactivity and aggression are a "yes" in this book and with-my difficult child. As are other issues, particularly social ... last night at baseball practice, I noticed that the coach gathered everyone for a huddle, and difficult child was standing outside the group about 4 ft away. He didn't join them until the coach insisted they all reach in with-their arms to the center and do their cheer. He participated and laughed ... but it was so obvious that he had to be prodded more than the others. Just one of many things ...
I'm learning that when he shouts it doesn't mean he's mad. (Usually.) He just doesn't "get" voice modulation. I used to take it personally and tell him he was being disrespectful. Now I tell him to please lower his voice and I continue with-regular activities.
If it weren't for books like this, our household would be even more stressed that it already is.
One thing that was interesting was the link between spectrum disorders and constant diarrhea and stomach upsets. The author theorizes/hypothesizes that autistic children have poor immune systems and an inability to detoxify, which is a neurological deficit that may be triggered by environmental factors. (Such as plastics or mercury, which could trigger the spectrum to begin with, or allergies to milk and wheat later on.) I've always thought that but it's great to see it validated.
She's got great suggestions--Videotape your child; do whatever you can to interact with-your child; take care of yourself; seek out positive people.
She covers everything from causes (hypothetical) to support groups to grief and loss of "normal" parenting, to occupational therapy.
Unfortunately I can't really share the book with-my husband because he's as sick of talking about all of this as I am excited about it, but I'm glad I have all of you.
I love this book!
I've underlined and dogeared nearly every page.
If difficult child isn't on the spectrum, what the heck. This book is so useful and so validating, I don't care.
Temper tantrums, hyperactivity and aggression are a "yes" in this book and with-my difficult child. As are other issues, particularly social ... last night at baseball practice, I noticed that the coach gathered everyone for a huddle, and difficult child was standing outside the group about 4 ft away. He didn't join them until the coach insisted they all reach in with-their arms to the center and do their cheer. He participated and laughed ... but it was so obvious that he had to be prodded more than the others. Just one of many things ...
I'm learning that when he shouts it doesn't mean he's mad. (Usually.) He just doesn't "get" voice modulation. I used to take it personally and tell him he was being disrespectful. Now I tell him to please lower his voice and I continue with-regular activities.
If it weren't for books like this, our household would be even more stressed that it already is.
One thing that was interesting was the link between spectrum disorders and constant diarrhea and stomach upsets. The author theorizes/hypothesizes that autistic children have poor immune systems and an inability to detoxify, which is a neurological deficit that may be triggered by environmental factors. (Such as plastics or mercury, which could trigger the spectrum to begin with, or allergies to milk and wheat later on.) I've always thought that but it's great to see it validated.
She's got great suggestions--Videotape your child; do whatever you can to interact with-your child; take care of yourself; seek out positive people.
She covers everything from causes (hypothetical) to support groups to grief and loss of "normal" parenting, to occupational therapy.
Unfortunately I can't really share the book with-my husband because he's as sick of talking about all of this as I am excited about it, but I'm glad I have all of you.