Thank you ---yet again for your words of wisdom-- I did make a picture chart--2 in fact! One is specifically for school days because it pertains to getting ready for school and the other is in our dining room posted on our freezer for non-school days. oops, actually have 4 charts-one in the bathroom above his potty chair to chart daily rewards sticker system and to remind me when he last had a BM(sorry but with chronic constipation from meds days may run together and I can't remember when the last one was unless charted-it's been a blessing), and the other is directly above the BIG potty to remind him of the steps of pottying and washing afterwards. He attends a special needs class and receives speech therapy. I work with him on physical therapy, speech, and occupational therapy as well as educational aspects at home. Take Care and have a great day!
CANDAMOMMY
Posts: 17347
5/10/10 6:30 P
Our ds has to take nebulizer treatments too, but I only limit them on when I can tell he is getting sick or bad allergies. I refuse to give them to him everyday when I know he doesn't need them. My other ds doesn't need any.
Does your son like showers? That may be something he may like. Than you can plug the tub and let it fill up a little and put the epsom salt in there while he stands and showers...if not Kirkman labs sells epsom salt cream that you can buy and use on him for the same thing. Gaba is a natural supplement that promotes mood balance and natural rest patterns.
Is your ds is any therapy still at school? I can't remember and can't read back now while replying.
One thing I have learned to do for my youngest is make a picto chart...it's where you take pictures of everything, print them out and make them into little cards that can stick on a chart with velcro..that way you can show him what you are going to do in order before you do it to lesson any anxiety so they know what is coming.
Edited by: CANDAMOMMY at: 5/10/2010 (18:32)
JAKE_ADAMSMOMMY
Posts: 6931
5/7/10 5:23 P
I'm not sure of the exact stats, but I believe, based on what i have read that the odds of having a seond autistic child if its a boy is somewhere around 1 in 7, and closer to 1 in 32 if you have a girl, I do know its not 1 in 2 though. Yes, your chances are increased, but its certainly not a done deal.
I have heard of people using melatonin with some success - it might be worth talking to your doctor/researching and finding out more about :)
*Diane*
Mommy to
Abbigail -my chatty monkey
Adam, my mischievious monkey
Jacob, my autistic snuggle monkey
HENRYANNA
Posts: 40
5/7/10 7:19 A
Thank you for the insight on Epsom salt baths. I will give it a try. Also thank you for clarifying the natural supplements... I also try to use as much natural or homeopathic medicines with our sons as much as I can...If there were any to take the place of his much needed nebulizer treatments I would as well...Know or heard of anything??? Also any great helpful hints you may suggest on the bath issues...Right now he takes one once per week, but sponging daily, on his terms....
LOVE24
Posts: 468
5/3/10 7:51 P
I agree with the melatonin- it is usually very helpful.
My son has ASD. He used to be severely constipated until I put him on the gluten free/casein free diet. He was never constipated again after starting this diet. He was on it for 2 years and now his gut seems healed. I still go easy on the milk.
I also agree with the PP on the genetic issue. Yes there is an increased chance but there is also an excellent chance that your baby will not have ASD. Autism is not purely genetic-environmental factors play a role. Genetic predisposition to autism does not mean a child will have autism.
The Voice of Truth tells me a different story and The Voice of Truth says do not be afraid...
CANDAMOMMY
Posts: 17347
5/3/10 5:35 P
Melatonin isn't medicine it is a natural supplement that your body excretes on its own. They just think with Autism, they do not excrete enough and that is why it helps sometimes to supplement.
HENRYANNA
Posts: 40
5/2/10 8:50 A
Thank you for your insight. We have chosen no medicine for sleep at this time, maybe when he is older. He is taking daily nebulizer treatments of albuterol and pulmicort daily for his lungs. The chronic constipation issues are enough without adding yet another medicine. Thanks and take care.
CANDAMOMMY
Posts: 17347
5/1/10 8:08 A
Both of my boys have ASD...your chances of having another child on the spectrum are definitely higher, but are not guaranteed. Don't consume yourself with worry. It sounds like you are working great with your ds and he has made a lot of progress.
In terms of sleep, I go through this with my youngest. We have got him to sleep in longer spurts though by tiring him out during the day with active play and than using melatonin. Have you tried melatonin? If so, I suggest the time release as they will have no problem falling asleep, it's the staying asleep we want.
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