Eva

Hi Jlp, this is exactly what we're going through at the moment. I've decided not to worry what the galahs at the school think of me and I'm going to be in their face and complain. In fact, I've had a big argument with the Principal last week and apart from the stress and anger, it feels good to be trying to do something to help my son. I know that the system is different in Oz, but I've now got an advocate to help me. If I were you I'd be even more pedantic - make them take notice (if possible). It's in the best interests of your child and you're his advocate. (My son's class teacher has done exactly the same thing as your son's - not using visual supports, except when under observation from a visiting professional like the OT or speech therapist. Brilliant hey!). <'> <'> <'> Eva

Hi everyone, this is a strange question but I was wondering what people with CAPD hear or don't hear, when they find it difficult to follow what someone is saying? I want to explain to my son's teacher more about CAPD - she relies on verbal instructions in the classroom despite me asking her to use visual supports - and so I thought some real-life examples could help, (nothing else has, and I've given her lots of info to read too). Thanks for any replies! Eva

Hi Llisa32, I'm not sure how your lunchtime system works as it's different over here - kids either take a packed lunch or else get a lunch order - we write on an envelope what our child wants and it gets taken to the local bakery and then delivered back to the school. Anyway, this is just a thought, could you ask the lunchtime ladies if they could get the bread in that your son likes, just for him? I know it's a longshot, but you never know... I hope J is feeling better today. Hugs to both of you <'> <'> . Eva

Hi Smiley, I'm really sorry to hear what's going on at school. The head sounds like an absolute tool. I'm currently on the warpath too with my son's school - it's hard being confronting if you're not a confrontational person isn't it. Here are lots of <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> .' Eva

School is the only thing I think which could be making J upset - apart from the usual other stuff - but I can't figure out what aspect of it that is making him feel so bad. The classroom teacher is pretty hopeless and barely understands ASD's despite me, the OT and a Speech therapist trying to give her info to help J. I wonder if she's said something to him, you've got me thinking now Wardie! I think I'll go and see her and tell her what's going on at home...maybe she'll shed some light, inadvertently...anyway, I'm working on a self-esteem 'book' for J at the moment which we can read together when he's feeling bad. Allsetuk <'> <'> <'>, I feel for you, it's awful arguing all the time isn't it .

Hi Clare and to everyone else, just wanted to add some <'> <'> <'> <'> . Eva

We call aubergines eggplants. The smaller, thinner ones are called Lebanese eggplants. I think you call green beans, haricots (unless I'm getting countries mixed up)? We also call pudding, dessert. A pudding is an acutal pudding. Funny isn't it!

Well, we have basically two types of pumpkins, the butternut one and the other one which no one knows the name of. We call a courgette a zuchinni too! Cheers, Eva

I just read you wanted to only use the microwave - whoops - forget the pumpkin soup!

Hi Mumble, over here we call it pumpkin and we make pumpkin soup - it's very yummy. I'm sure there's heaps of recipes on the net. Basically you chop it up into little chunks, put it in a pot with water and boil it. You should also add some stock - beef stockcube works well. Oh yes, before all of that you could chop an onion and garic, fry them first, then add the water and the pumpkin. When it's really really soft you can mash it up. Some people add a dollop of sour cream into the bowl just before eating it. You could also add more salt and pepper if you like. Some people also make the soup using other veges, like a potato. Potato can thicken it up. What we call a squash is a little funny-shaped yellow thing - it's usually a bit bitter. (Our friend Sojourned was quite amazed that we eat so much pumpkin. He said in the UK farmers use it for pig food). Good on you Mumble - great work! Eva

Hi car2, no advice either but I wanted to give you some <'> <'> <'> . It's so hard to deal with isn't it . Eva

Hi Stephanie, my son sounds the same! He's 6 and a half too and the difference between him and the kids in his class is really apparent. He also talks to himself or hums far more now than before. He flaps his hands more when he talks (excitedly) and his tone of voice is more monotone. And he's far more arguementative and confrontational with me and my dp. You know, I was wondering the same thing as you! Eva

Thanks everyone for your great replies - it's a relief to know that others are going through this too. I've learnt a lot from all your replies! Jb1964, I wonder if my son thinks the same - that if he's feeling bad then everyone must feel the same way about him. That's an interesting point. I reckon I'm going to have to take a deep breath and try and not take the bait and ignore the more confrontational things DS might say. (I often start off okay but then before I know it I find myself embroiled in an arguement). Suze you're right, winning isn't really winning, it's too emotionally draining. (Sojourned said that you can't win an arguement with an Aspergian - you'll lose both the argument and your dignity - Cat you're spot on when you said that sometimes nothing you can say is right, how true is that. That's why our arguements just go round in circles because the more he answers negatively, the more I try and convince him that he's clever and I love him, and that just adds fuel... So thanks again everyone - you've all helped me heaps ! And the cyperhugs are very appreciated! Eva

Hev, hope it all goes well <'> <'> I'm going out Friday too, yay! Eva

Thanks for your reply Cat, I found it very helpful and it has given me a bit to think about. It's so hard to get an answer out of my son - he gives half answers. When he says things like he's not clever I tell him that he is clever and when he says no one likes him, I tell him that he has lots of friends (true at the moment) and I love him. It's tricky getting to the root of the issue though. It's when he says things like he's leaving, that's when I'm not sure what my response should be. The problem is that he hates being questioned and gets cross if I ask him too many questions and tells me to be quiet because I'm giving him a headache. Eva

Hi all, I'm having lots of arguments with my son lately. He's 6 and I suspect school might be stressing him out a bit, as at home he's been pretty bad in the evenings. He says things like he's leaving home, he wants a new mother/brother/father/house, no one likes him, he's not clever and he's going to put me in a rubbish bin and close the lid, or put himself in a rubbish bin, etc. My friend Sojourned said he's winding me up and I shouldn't repsond and I think up to a point he's right. It's so hard though not to anything. I always tell him that he is clever, etc, but the leaving home and wanting a new family stuff I'm not sure about. Any advice welcome. Eva

Hi Wilson, how old is your son? My son is 6 and a half and he sounds a bit like yours. I have to tell him all the time to stop touching my bum. He also hits out a lot - I've got a bruise on my leg from when he belted me the other night. If he doesn't get his own way he has a meltdown but even if he does get his own way, something or other won't good enough. As for 'normal' conversation, well that depends on his mood. He can argue brilliantly though and usually always wins I'm very interested in what other people have to say! Eva

Hi LittleRae, we're thinking about taking the trainer wheels off our son's bike - maybe I should read Canopus's post first! Could you direct me to it? Well done to your son - that's great!! Eva

My son does this too - he storms off when he's angry or upset and won't come back until one of us goes to get him. Recently he's started saying he's going to leave home (he's 6) and heads towards the front door, collecting a backpack on the way. I've told him he is never to leave the house without me or my partner, but in the heat of the moment I reckon he would go. Going to deadlock the door from now on.

Hi Frangipani, sending you and your daughter lots of <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> I'm sending you lots of positive vibes and am thinking about you. Evaxxx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!!!!!! I hope you have a fantastic day today!! Cheerio, Eva

Hi everyone, please excuse the topic but I'm curious to know how regular other people's children are, (I'm talking about pooing). My son goes twice or once a week, but he doesn't soil his undies in between and he doesn't have a bloated tummy either. He eats meat, fruit and veges everyday and drinks water everyday. A naturopath has just told me that my son isn't normal, (in terms of regularity that is...) ,and that there are toxic waste toxins in his body that are harmful (I'm paraphrasing here by the way), and now I'm panicking . Thanks all, replies gratefully received. Eva

Good luck from me too!!! This is big! Eva

Hi and thanks for your replies! Tally, it's definately the singing which is louder than the bouncing - very hard to sleep through! I've now got a box of books beside J's bed and a torch and have told him that he can read, (but quietly), if he wakes up and can't get back to sleep. J does listen to a cd while going off to sleep initially and maybe that's something worth introducing too. Nice soothing sounds, like the music they have at dentists to distract you from the drill, whales singing isn't it...well, on second thoughts, maybe not...but mountain streams and frogs could work. (Baddad, what sort of music/sound are backbeats? I only learned what Emo was a couple of months ago). Aro, my son is just the same, you ask him to be quiet and it lasts only a second before the vocalising starts up again! Ta all, Eva

Hi all, I'm after some ideas to help us get some sleep... My son does this stimming where he bounces on his bed and sort of sings and hums. This is fine in daylight hours but sometimes he wakes up during the night - in the wee hours of the morning - and does it and we are all disturbed . Does anyone have any ideas how to quieten the nighttime singing? Any thoughts welcome!! Cheers, Eva