I'LL BE THERE FOREVER

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I decided to study special education not just because I enjoy working with individuals with developmental disabilities but to penetrate my very own child's world, so that i would KNOW and UNDERSTAND what he needs and wants... How I wish to take him out of his own realm and show the beauty of the real world... But if I could not able to do so, I'll just stay and live with him in his wonderful world.

MY CHILD’s BEHAVIORAL REGRESSION

People don’t understand what special children can actually be particularly those who have Asperger’s Syndrome or commonly called Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Coping with a child who has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be very difficult especially when they display challenging behavior such as aggressive behavior and no speech at all. But individuals with Asperger’s disorders are often very intelligent and I can proudly say that my son is one of them.

Since kindergarten up to 1^st year high school, my son has been perfect in school either in academics and social skills. He could be able to perform on the stage play or school programs with his regular classmates. He has a very sharp memory... He could even express his feelings, thoughts and ideas... But everything has been changed... 

Apparently, he is literally unable to think for himself. Most of the time, I’m trying to be patient and understand his condition. But as a mother, it seems that someone is stabbing my heart every time I see my child’s behavior. Although he does not show aggressive behavior/s but the behaviors that I can see on him now was not manifested before such as flapping and shaking his hands, too slow when walking and eating, doesn’t want to express his feelings and thoughts, doesn’t read his books anymore and doesn’t even draw on his drawing notebook. And most of all, he doesn’t make a note for me when he noticed that I am angry, sad or quiet. I miss those things so much. 

I keep on talking to him to get back to what he is before... But he can’t regain the skills that were lost. He is also becoming less aware of his surroundings. I’m so tired of thinking and doing some strategies or behavior modifications such as reinforcement, etc. I'm also tryin' so hard to help him “do” for HIMSELF, but it just doesn’t seem to take anymore.  I don’t know if he could just have strong behavior adaptation or he goes through these periods of significant behavioral regression. The term regression refers to a loss of previously acquired skills, such as language, motor, or life skills.

My son will be closely monitored for any changes or continued regression and we won’t hesitate to call for help if necessary. But how can we do that if we could not have enough money to support his medical needs? I feel so pity on him... Nobody would like to help us even our relatives and immediate family members. Perhaps, they don’t really understand my child’s condition or they just don’t really care about him. This is the reason why I continuously struggling and trying to achieve my goal in life so that I can be able to give all my child's needs particularly comprehensive intervention and therapies for him; and in order for him to enroll in a social group where he can be able to enhance or regain his social skills. 

If I could just turn the hands of the clock so fast... But I believe that there is a right time for everything... I know, God has a good and perfect plan for us especially for my child.

Yam... bear in mind that Daddy & Mommy will always be here for you because we love you much... As your mother, nobody can hurt you either physically or emotionally... I will fight for you till the end. 

"I am the wind beneath your wings... You and me against the world"... (two BEAUTIFUL songs that I dedicate to you, son).

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADHD AND ADD

How do we know the difference between ADHD and ADD? Many people do not really understand the differences between ADHD and ADD. Let me define first what does ADHD and ADD mean.

• ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is basically the lack of attention in the patient or he/she is inattentive.
• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) is a condition in which the person has visible impulsivity or hyperactivity, extreme difficulty focusing or paying attention and controlling their behavior.

Of the two types of disorders, ADHD is most commonly diagnosed perhaps ADHD have more visible symptoms than those with ADD. ADHD is very noticeable because it comes with the creation of a good deal of distractions within the classroom. Therefore, it gets a good deal of attention and can be recognized easier. But this does not mean that ADD is not destructive; it is, just less visible. We could notice that when a person is suffering from ADD, he or she will often seem disorganized and inattentive. You may often find him/her simply staring out a window while in the classroom, and seem like he/she is never really there.

Let me give you the three types of ADHD symptoms that I have gathered

• Trouble paying attention. People with ADHD are easily distracted and have a hard time focusing on any one task.
• Trouble sitting still for even a short time. This is called hyperactivity. Children with ADHD may squirm, fidget, or run around at the wrong times. Teens and adults often feel restless and fidgety and are not able to enjoy reading or other quiet activities.
• Acting before thinking. People with ADHD may talk too loud, laugh too loud, or become angrier than the situation calls for. Children may not be able to wait for their turn or to share. This makes it hard for them to play with other children. Teens and adults seem to "leap before they look." They may make quick decision that have a long-term impact on their lives. They may spend too much money or change jobs often.

Typically, boys are more hyperactive than girls that’s the reason why it was believed that ADHD only affected boys. But this is not true and now it is realized that that children of any gender can have ADD and it does not always go away as they reach the age of adult.

It is important to understand that the symptoms do not necessary mean they have ADHD or ADD, however, they should be watched closely and discussed with a professionals such as developmental pediatrician, child psychologist. We must put in our mind that mental and psychological health of the child is very important as any other part of their health.

Live in Only One World!

 
“I do not believe that persons with autism have a world of their own. All people - with or without disabilities – live in only one continuum, in only one world. It is probably only when we come to understand their condition and the causes of their behavior that the shield of misconception that separates us from them will crumble…”


Quote: SPED Department