Comments on: Asperger’s Syndrome: Gumby and Wolverine

By: Sallie

Sallie — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:21:31 +0000

Heather — I think you develop a sense of what behavior is what over time. We used to think our son was just the most stubborn child ever born to man. We disciplined almost in a way where we felt like we couldn’t let him win out in his stubborness. Then we got his diagnosis (age 9; late for most kids but we had held back from going to doc for personal reasons) and guilt set in so that made our life really chaotic. We were afraid of disciplining him for a while but then we realized that was only making it worse because this kid who had grown up with lots of discipline all of a sudden had less and it was confusing. We finally got ourselves back on track and we just learned to more easily recognize the signs of overload for him.

From an NT point of view, most of Caleb’s behaviors (actions/tones of voice/etc) will ALWAYS look like disrespect. From a mom point of view, I see the triggers and know what made him reach that point. The trick is to become so in tune with everything around you that you can stop bad reactions before they happen.

Discipline and structure are so important. Take one day at a time and just keep at it. Your child is worth it!!

Have a blessed week!
Sallie
Sallie´s last blog ..Catching Up and Saying Hello

By: Heather

Heather — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:30:06 +0000

So how do you tell when they are being disrespectful and when they need time to process and understand? My son was recently diagnosed on the spectrum and seems disrespectful frequently. His father is constantly yelling at and punishing him; accusing me of not disciplining him enough or being too soft. I know there are times DS IS being disrespectful; I just don’t know how to discern the two. It seems as if this diagnosis has only added more chaos to our already chaotic household.
Heather´s last blog ..The Next Sherwood Movie…

By: Sallie

Sallie — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:53:42 +0000

I agree ladies… this is one of the most difficult areas to help people understand. I have known so many folks (family, even) who simply think the worst of children with disabilities who “look normal”, without giving them the benefit of the doubt and working with them to overcome and learn. I’m glad this post was helpful and encouraging to you!! Be blessed!!
Sallie´s last blog ..Creating Your Own Unique Christmas Style

By: AmyLK

AmyLK — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:32:43 +0000

Its good to know that I am not the only parent out there with an AS kid who seems disrepectful when all he wants to do is follow the rules! We have to find the line between AS and disrespect and this can be difficult at times. Thanks for the wonderful post!
AmyLK´s last blog ..Dear Santa

By: Yvonne

Yvonne — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:20:16 +0000

The hardest part of having an aspie child is dealing with those who do not understand the thinking processes. The automatically assume a wrongful attitude, when in fact, none exists.

It took me years to finally figure out that my child did not need consequences…he simply needed time to process and communicate.

Great post!
Yvonne´s last blog ..Peek-A-Boo

By: Dee

Dee — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:44:48 +0000

What a great post!! I have an aspie son and so related to what you were saying! I need to remember this next time he displays that adamantine attitude! Thank you so much for sharing!!

By: Lorraine

Lorraine — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:31:55 +0000

Eye opening. I have an Aspie son, and suspect my daughter may be an Aspie too. I’m still trying to figure out when he’s being disrespectful, and how to handle it. I knew change was big thing, but the whole thing here about the adamantine attitude… I’ve never thought of it that way. Thanks.
Lorraine´s last blog ..What happened to the Lost Colony?