spectrumom

I've blogged before about how the perspective having kids that span the spectrum gives me.  Each of them has their own unique problem set, while sharing difficulties that are the base of the spectrum. The interesting thing is, our oldest is showing us what this is like on his own. When Sam started out, he was nonverbal.  He did not talk until after 6.  He did not potty train until after 7.  Then he started developing speech, but he never paid much attention to other kids.  He liked having people to tell his stories to, and discuss things (ie. he talked and you nodded and agreed, because interjecting a question or differing opinion was not on the game plan.)  However, he never really had or seemed to want friends.  It didn't seem to bother him that others never invited him to birthday parties or out on group trips. When he was 12 or 13 he went to a summer day camp at a local church.  It seems a number of kids who went there had their own issu...

I've been reading this really excellent book about adults with autism by Nancy Perry.   It's taking me a very long time to read it.  Not because it's obtuse or technical.  Really, it's very readable.  Lots of interesting stories to highlight her points. No, it's taking me a long time to read it, because at the same time that I'm learning, I'm being forced to face a reality that I've managed to ignore. At almost 15 years of age, Sam has very major executive function deficits that he may or may not ever be able to deal with independently. Each EF deficit can be broken down into hundreds of practical skill sets that can be taught.  For example, we can teach Planning, Sequencing and Organizing for hundreds of different skills.  Following a recipe, taking care of an apartment, getting ready for school or work, writing a paper, shopping for groceries, personal hygiene.  The list goes on and on and on.  And it changes with each new phase of ...