1.19.2010 Parent Support Group Meeting

UPCOMING
- February 12th - Kern Autism Network (KAN) Conference at The Marriott Hotel, Bakersfield, CA
- - Stephen Shore, professor at Hofstra University on Long Island, NY who has Asperger Syndrome, himself will be speaking. Dr. Shore spoke at "The Black Balloon" film premier at the Fox Theatre on Oct. 15, 2009 in Bakersfield.
- - representative from MIND Institute at UC Davis will also be speaking.
- - if you or your child are a Kern Regional Center (KRC) client, they will cover the costs of the KAN Conference for you

- February 16th – Upcoming Parent Support Group Monthly Meeting
- - Special Guest, Joey Travolta, owner/director of Inclusion Films, will present his film workshops for both Autism Spectrum Disordered and neurotypical youth and adults

1.19.2010 Parent Support Group Meeting

This meeting was a question and answer session with a successful adult with Asperger Syndrome. There was a lot of interaction which continued even after the meeting.
These are my "Takeaway Insights" from the Topics of Discussion:

• The (usually) long process of recognizing and diagnosing autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and Asperger Syndrome, in particular.

• With my own children's, repetition (like homework, work from others) is the bane of their existence. You can see all of the good energy leave and, eventually, you can see it get replaced by bad energy/actions. Our guest expressed that arbitrary rules had no importance for him. They really only had importance for him when they were a means to an end or they had definite consequences. In a discussion of dealing with adulthood vs. arbitrary rules, the connections were made between repercussions, seeing ahead, and abstract/concrete thought. Rather than simply challenging authority, this may be an issue of right and wrong - concrete thinking ("this has no reason, therefore no meaning") instead of abstract thinking ("regardless of reason for this, I will get into trouble or not get what I want"). One has to learn to respect things that have to be considered, rather than consider abstract ideas as irrelevant or irritating.

• Sensory issues that change one's perception of reality - often triggered by overstimulation, understimulation and/or stress. Materials, things, and clothing issues were discussed. Essentially, everyone deals with their own sensory issues in their own way. How to balance sensitivities and regular life was discussed, such as smells being covered up by lip balms, etc. Generally, when you have to function despite sensory issues, you learn to camouflage, cover or protect or distract oneself from the irritant.

• Dietary issues vs. special diets for possible treatment for ASD, including Asperger Syndrome, individuals: Special diets - not everyone gets desired or even discernable results. However, if that is what is irritating you or exacerbating the situation, it is worth the effort to try to reduce your body's reaction to the irritant. As far as dietary dislikes, is the dietary restriction a texture or taste thing or a genuine dislike of the food? If you are the one looking for new alternatives, you can't always assume or predict!

• "Happy to have a label" - Frankly, I personally have heard this from many, MANY people who have had a long, hard journey getting their or their loved one's diagnosis (of whatever diagnosis)!

• One has to learn to change when things are not going right.

• While many people put on a "false front" in order to deal with other people, individuals with ASD, including Asperger Syndrome, are especially vulnerable of getting stuck behind the false front. Our speaker commented that parents should watch for a change in affect to know whether you should help your child.

• Highly recommended - Tony Attwood's "Complete Guide for Asperger Syndrome".

• Voracious, enthusiastic reading vs. struggling or reluctant reading. For my son who had no interest in sitting and listening to me read when younger, I started getting audio books to listen to in the car. Eventually, he wanted to hear them inside, then every night, then his interests moved toward books themselves. The speaker recommended anything that interests the potential reader - even comic books.

• Career fields to which ASD, including Asperger Syndrome, individuals gravitate: While it is a stereotype to immediately mention math, sciences, and computers - these choices are also true. Why? Because these are among the many choices that are less about dealing with people and more about the field or job itself.

• Sustaining relationships requires a greater effort than typical people: Many times, the rhythm of the communication is just a little off. ASD, including Asperger Syndrome, individuals may be satisfied with relationships with family and friends and not need romantic relationships. The point is one can be connected to people. One can be happy and not be smiling all of the time. Contented can look very plain on an ASD, including Asperger Syndrome, individual.

• Disclosure issues amongst parents, close family, friends, acquaintances, people in the workplace: In everything from medical illnesses and diseases to autism, ASD, including Asperger Syndrome, individuals have to deal with misconceptions and misinformation, teaching those who have to know what this is like for the person. The truth is, if one is going to put in that kind of effort, your time is better spent on those closest to the person, rather than someone who may be evaluating you for job competency (unless it is so obvious that further disclosure is required). Whether or not they agree with you, hopefully the important people in your life will support you.

• To recap some things said toward the end of the meeting:
Scott Adams - "everyone is an idiot about something...."
- You must change (yourself / your actions / your mindset) when things are not going right.
- - hopefully, those closest to you, too.

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