Showing posts with label ASD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ASD. Show all posts
Friday, February 27, 2015
Monday, April 8, 2013
Bonding with Family Members on the Autism Spectrum
Not all parents are bonded to their children with
disabilities. I've always tried to
understand why. I have always been
exceptionally bonded to my children.
But, when the bond is broken, for whatever reason, it really hurts.
Some parents can not accept or cope with the disability of
their children. It is such a drain on
one's life. The government rules and
restrictions often make it very difficult for the natural parent to get enough
help. This is a form of punishment on a
parent, so one can give up.
Many disabled people, who are placed, do not have family
visits, or have negligible visits. I
think some parents need to cut off the tie in order for their lives to go
on. Everyone has different levels of
emotional tolerance.
In my case, I take my disabled son home several months out
of the year. He needs total care, so it
is hard, especially when there are so many behavioral issues. But, he craves to be with his family and I
have a tight bond with him, almost on an ESP
(Extrasensory Perception) level.
I do know that these disabled people, no matter how severe
they are, deep down they want their family.
I've seen some Disabled Clients call out for family members in times of
medical emergencies, but, no family members were at their bedside. I felt so bad for them. You wish you could comfort them, but, no one
can replace a parent or family member.
Severe Autism is one of the worst disabilities because it
often comes with Seizures, lack of Speech and Communication, and Severe
Behavior problems. No one seems to have
the time or patience for these poor people who are often very intelligent and
very aware of their problem, but can not cope themselves. Often there is a sense of fear about them,
which can cause the ritualistic behavior as a coping mechanism.
It is not an easy life for the family and when things do not
go right, it can be a big emotional blow that can be devastating. It takes a long time to heal, but with people
on the Autistic Spectrum, there can be many devastating events.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Autism and Jury Duty
My daughter was recently sent a notice to report for Jury Duty. Unfortunately, she has a form of High Functioning Autism. She also looks and behaves on a much younger lever than her chronological age. Anxiety is a prominent feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
I could not imagine how she could sit through Jury Duty and "judge" someone with this diagnosis. She is very intelligent and creative. The problem with Autism is a lack of "interpretation of reality". This is not a good condition to have when judging someone on trial for whatever reason.
I could not have imagined how the County discovered her as she does not have a driver's license or an IRS statement. The one thing was that she applied for Voter Registration while in school. I read that this is one of the items they go by to call you.
With the crime rate so high in certain counties in NJ and the increase in crime here in general, over the years, there is a high demand for numerous jurors obviously. There does not seem to be enough of a population of "eligible" jurors available unfortunately.
I was able to get her excused with a letter from her DDD Case Manager. It was not logical to subject my daughter to the tough judicial system, especially because she is so innocent and naive. She would not have lasted long and probably would have broken down, which is part of her condition.
It is too bad we do not have a better way of going about our judicial process and not depend on people who are not literate in the legal system. Instead of random people picked against their will and forced into this because of a claim that "it is their duty to judge"...we should have people chosen willingly, who have an interest, who are educated to some level about our laws, and who are more qualified to pass judgment.
This would make the cases flow through the system more quickly and fluently and save money. The money saved could be used to pay a livable wage to these jurors.
Our legal system needs to be updated and more innovative.
I could not imagine how she could sit through Jury Duty and "judge" someone with this diagnosis. She is very intelligent and creative. The problem with Autism is a lack of "interpretation of reality". This is not a good condition to have when judging someone on trial for whatever reason.
I could not have imagined how the County discovered her as she does not have a driver's license or an IRS statement. The one thing was that she applied for Voter Registration while in school. I read that this is one of the items they go by to call you.
With the crime rate so high in certain counties in NJ and the increase in crime here in general, over the years, there is a high demand for numerous jurors obviously. There does not seem to be enough of a population of "eligible" jurors available unfortunately.
I was able to get her excused with a letter from her DDD Case Manager. It was not logical to subject my daughter to the tough judicial system, especially because she is so innocent and naive. She would not have lasted long and probably would have broken down, which is part of her condition.
It is too bad we do not have a better way of going about our judicial process and not depend on people who are not literate in the legal system. Instead of random people picked against their will and forced into this because of a claim that "it is their duty to judge"...we should have people chosen willingly, who have an interest, who are educated to some level about our laws, and who are more qualified to pass judgment.
This would make the cases flow through the system more quickly and fluently and save money. The money saved could be used to pay a livable wage to these jurors.
Our legal system needs to be updated and more innovative.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Changing the Autism Diagnosis
This is the latest in the move to sweep Autism under the rug, ignoring it like it doesn't exist anymore, and saving a lot of money now at the risk of spending it later when the kid's affected collapse and need more help than ever.
I have 3 children with ASD, one mild, one moderate and one maximum severe and placed in a group home. Even my adult child who is mild has such social deficits and anxiety that put her life at a stand still. Without supports and assistance this population will deteriorate. They may become homeless, starve, wind up in jail, or be seriously abused. This has to be a political ploy considering the way our government is being run. I am suspicious of these psychiatrists who can cause mass harm to such a vulunerable population.
This is one of many news articles:
http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2012/01/20/the-changing-definition-of-au tism-critical-issues-ahead/
The Changing Definition of Autism: Critical Issues Ahead
January 20, 2012
Posted by Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Geri Dawson, PhD.
Many in our community are understandably concerned that a planned
revision of the medical definition of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) will restrict its
diagnosis in ways that will prevent many persons from receiving vital
medical and social services.
Before I catch you up on some of the details behind this revision,
let me first say that although the proposed changes have a solid
scientific rationale, we at Autism Speaks are likewise concerned
about their effect on access to services. It is crucial that these
changes don’t result in discrimination against people who are
struggling with autism symptoms. As the APA moves forward in
formalizing the new definition, we urge that this issue be kept at
the forefront of the discussion. As the changes are implemented,
scientists, families and providers will all need to carefully monitor
its impact on those affected by all forms of ASD. The bottom line is
this: We must ensure that all those who struggle with autism symptoms
get the services they need.
Now let me provide some background.
The APA is currently completing work on the fifth edition of its
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which
will be published in 2013. The DSM is the standard reference that
healthcare providers use to diagnose mental and behavioral
conditions. As such, it influences availability of treatments as well
as insurance coverage.
An expert panel appointed by the APA has proposed that the new
version of the DSM change the current definition of ASD, in part
because of shortcomings in how it is currently used for diagnosis.
The new definition would do three things. First, it would eliminate
the previously separate categories of Asperger syndrome and pervasive
developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) from the
diagnostic manual. Second, it would fold these disorders, together
with “classic” autism, into the single category of ASD. Finally, it
would change the criteria for diagnosing ASD.
Under the current definition, a person can qualify for an ASD
diagnosis by exhibiting at least 6 of 12 behaviors that include
deficits in social interaction, communication or repetitive
behaviors. Under the proposed definition, the person would have to
exhibit three deficits in social interaction and communication and at
least two repetitive behaviors. The APA has also proposed that a new
category be added to the DSM – Social Communication Disorder. This
would allow for a diagnosis of disability in social communication
without the presence of repetitive behavior.
Based on a recent study, some experts are suggesting that many
individuals who currently meet the criteria for ASD, especially those
who are more cognitively capable, would no longer meet criteria for
ASD. If so, the new criteria would result in discrimination against
people who are more cognitively capable. We are concerned about this
and will do all we can to ensure that all people who are struggling
with autism symptoms retain the services they deserve.
As these new criteria are rolled out over the coming year, Autism
Speaks’ position is that it will be vitally important to collect
meaningful information on how the change impacts access to services
by those affected by autism symptoms. Further policy changes may be
needed to ensure that all persons who struggle with autism symptoms
get the services they need.
It is important to keep in mind that this revision in the medical
definition of ASD is not just an academic exercise. These changes in
diagnostic criteria will likely have important influences on the
lives of those in our community who critically need services.
I have 3 children with ASD, one mild, one moderate and one maximum severe and placed in a group home. Even my adult child who is mild has such social deficits and anxiety that put her life at a stand still. Without supports and assistance this population will deteriorate. They may become homeless, starve, wind up in jail, or be seriously abused. This has to be a political ploy considering the way our government is being run. I am suspicious of these psychiatrists who can cause mass harm to such a vulunerable population.
This is one of many news articles:
http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2012/01/20/the-changing-definition-of-au tism-critical-issues-ahead/
The Changing Definition of Autism: Critical Issues Ahead
January 20, 2012
Posted by Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Geri Dawson, PhD.
Many in our community are understandably concerned that a planned
revision of the medical definition of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) will restrict its
diagnosis in ways that will prevent many persons from receiving vital
medical and social services.
Before I catch you up on some of the details behind this revision,
let me first say that although the proposed changes have a solid
scientific rationale, we at Autism Speaks are likewise concerned
about their effect on access to services. It is crucial that these
changes don’t result in discrimination against people who are
struggling with autism symptoms. As the APA moves forward in
formalizing the new definition, we urge that this issue be kept at
the forefront of the discussion. As the changes are implemented,
scientists, families and providers will all need to carefully monitor
its impact on those affected by all forms of ASD. The bottom line is
this: We must ensure that all those who struggle with autism symptoms
get the services they need.
Now let me provide some background.
The APA is currently completing work on the fifth edition of its
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which
will be published in 2013. The DSM is the standard reference that
healthcare providers use to diagnose mental and behavioral
conditions. As such, it influences availability of treatments as well
as insurance coverage.
An expert panel appointed by the APA has proposed that the new
version of the DSM change the current definition of ASD, in part
because of shortcomings in how it is currently used for diagnosis.
The new definition would do three things. First, it would eliminate
the previously separate categories of Asperger syndrome and pervasive
developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) from the
diagnostic manual. Second, it would fold these disorders, together
with “classic” autism, into the single category of ASD. Finally, it
would change the criteria for diagnosing ASD.
Under the current definition, a person can qualify for an ASD
diagnosis by exhibiting at least 6 of 12 behaviors that include
deficits in social interaction, communication or repetitive
behaviors. Under the proposed definition, the person would have to
exhibit three deficits in social interaction and communication and at
least two repetitive behaviors. The APA has also proposed that a new
category be added to the DSM – Social Communication Disorder. This
would allow for a diagnosis of disability in social communication
without the presence of repetitive behavior.
Based on a recent study, some experts are suggesting that many
individuals who currently meet the criteria for ASD, especially those
who are more cognitively capable, would no longer meet criteria for
ASD. If so, the new criteria would result in discrimination against
people who are more cognitively capable. We are concerned about this
and will do all we can to ensure that all people who are struggling
with autism symptoms retain the services they deserve.
As these new criteria are rolled out over the coming year, Autism
Speaks’ position is that it will be vitally important to collect
meaningful information on how the change impacts access to services
by those affected by autism symptoms. Further policy changes may be
needed to ensure that all persons who struggle with autism symptoms
get the services they need.
It is important to keep in mind that this revision in the medical
definition of ASD is not just an academic exercise. These changes in
diagnostic criteria will likely have important influences on the
lives of those in our community who critically need services.
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