So remembering all the way back to last week when we got the official diagnosis of Aspergers for Annie.
On Thursday I placed an order with Book In Hand for a variety of books recommended by the Psychologist.
We got
All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome by Kathy Hoopman
Exploring Feelings – Anger by Tony Attwood
Exploring Feelings – Anxiety by Tony Attwood
Can I Tell You About Asperger Syndrome by Jude Welton
Sixth Sense II by Carol Gray
Amazingly I placed my order late Thursday afternoon and the books arrived lunch time Friday! Awesome service. Even better it meant I was well prepared to talk to Annie over the weekend.
Saturday afternoon I sat down with Annie in my bedroom and we talked. I tried to keep my language simple ‘you think differently and that is okay’, ’sometimes because you think differently it makes you smarter than other kids and that is okay’, ’sometimes it means you need more help and that is okay’.
There was lots of tears and denial “I don’t have Autism – I can talk”. We discussed how Aspergers is like having a little bit of Autism. Annie made the link between Aspergers and Autism herself, so that was an unexpected curveball that I had to work with. I think living with Heidi who is on the spectrum has given Annie a very specific idea of what Autism is.
We read ‘All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome’ and Annie related to much of it. Annie was calm and accepting after an hour, although much quieter than usual for the rest of the day. She tried to do somethings she knows are not allowed in our home and worked out pretty quick that we were not going to let Aspergers be an excuse for bad behaviour. Oddly that seemed to reassure her, a testing of boundaries and finding things still the same perhaps.
Annie has been asking for “Its Okay To Be Different” by Todd Parr as her bedtime story for a few weeks now. It sits beside her bed with her ‘When I’m Feeling” books by Trace Moroney. I think perhaps Annie knew in herself that she was different from her peers and knowing why has been reassuring.
Annie is not sure if she wants her classmates to know, but understands that Mummy needed to tell her teachers and Principal to ensure that they were full equipped to help Annie at school. So we will wait and see.
24 responses so far ↓
Chiloe // July 20, 2009 at 7:56 am |
You are so lucky to have all these books available to help her. Parents here are struggling so much
leechbabe // July 20, 2009 at 8:59 pm |
We are indeed.
Chiloe // July 20, 2009 at 7:58 am |
Anger by Tony Attwood could work with Pierre … I hope you’ll tell more about it .
leechbabe // July 20, 2009 at 8:59 pm |
For sure, I just have to find time to read it first – lol
Good Fountain // July 20, 2009 at 8:56 am |
I’m glad it went well. You are so prepared … I admire that!
leechbabe // July 20, 2009 at 8:59 pm |
Thank you. I’ve found preparation is half the battle in most of these things.
Preparation and patience.
Anja // July 20, 2009 at 9:37 am |
Great collection of books. So glad it went so well with Annie.
leechbabe // July 20, 2009 at 9:00 pm |
There really are some fabulous books out there. I’m so relieved it went well.
Gavin Bollard // July 20, 2009 at 11:45 am |
Well done! Great books to do the deed with too, especially “All Cats have Aspergers Syndrome).
The Autism comment was unexpected. It’s amazing that she made the link so quickly. Your answer that it’s “like autism” may keep her occupied for a while but eventually she’s likely to find out that it IS autism. You might want to start educating her on the idea that autism is a spectrum before she does.
leechbabe // July 20, 2009 at 8:57 pm |
Good point Gavin. Thank you. Annie has friends at varying stages of the spectrum which will make it easier to have that conversation, using real life examples.
Mistress B // July 20, 2009 at 1:32 pm |
hugs
You are doing such a great job dealing with all this Marita.
leechbabe // July 20, 2009 at 9:00 pm |
Thank you.
Kathy Hoopmann // July 20, 2009 at 5:05 pm |
Hi, I am so happy that All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome is helping you through this stage in your life. When I wrote it, I hoped it would reassure people with AS and also their friends and families, that there is so many positives in having Asperger’s and that the future is not bleak. Your daughter is lucky to have a mother who cares so much.
With warm wishes,
Kathy Hoopmann
leechbabe // July 20, 2009 at 9:02 pm |
Thank you so much for writing such a wonderful book.
When my youngest was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism two years ago we gave our family and friends a copy of the your book. It really helped to communicate with both adults and children what is a very complex issue.
So wonderful to be able to use a familiar work with Annie when she was diagnosed with Aspergers.
Again Thank you.
Chiloe // July 20, 2009 at 7:10 pm |
Wow you got a note from the author! How neat to see some authors do care a lot about their readers
leechbabe // July 20, 2009 at 9:03 pm |
It is fantastic
Great that there are caring and compassionate authors who are willing to tackle these difficult topics and to do so with such success.
Kathy Hoopmann // July 20, 2009 at 10:37 pm |
Out of curiosity, what is the difference between High Functioning Autism and Aspergers? My reseacrch said they were basically the same thing, except those with High Functioning Autism had delayed speech, and early speakers had Aspergers.
Marita // July 21, 2009 at 6:43 am |
I think Gavin has nailed it in his comment below, there is no real difference.
As you commented delayed speech seems to be why my youngest is ‘High Functioning Autism’ and my oldest who was talking well very early is ‘Aspergers’.
Jayne // July 20, 2009 at 11:06 pm |
Great resources in those books
Marita // July 21, 2009 at 6:43 am |
They are indeed – now I just have to find time to read them
Gavin Bollard // July 20, 2009 at 11:41 pm |
The difference between High Functioning Autism and Aspergers…
In DSM IV – A language delay.
In DSM V – Nothing.
I asked Dr. Tony Attwood about this. Specifically, what happens if I get my HFA son and put him through speech therapy in order to get him up to standard levels? Do I get the diagnosis “upgraded”?
He told me that the distinction between HFA and Aspergers wasn’t clinically discernable and hinted that DSM V was going to address this. I believe it has now.
Marita // July 21, 2009 at 6:40 am |
With my younger daughter I can see much more typical autistic traits. She has a speech delay, strong sensory needs etc.
Her older sister flew under the radar until this year when she started school. Very little sensory issues, great language.
So I can see distinct differences between the two and their respective diagnosis. BUT that is just for these two girls and probably when they are older it wont be as distinct.
Barbara // July 21, 2009 at 1:14 am |
Sounds like you handled it marvelously well, and I’m glad that Annie’s adapting.
Marita // July 21, 2009 at 6:41 am |
Thank you. I’m amazed at how resilient children are.