Most Popular Topics
- Help one of the single ladies of UB out here. Just tell me why he stopped responding ...
- You are 100%, absolutely, all-the-time a douchebag, if you drive a Bentley, Rolls Roy...
- Do your dc's call adults by their first or last names? Just moved from NY to CA and ...
- I posted in the past about a guy who had lied to me about being married- said divorce...
- A few things I want to get off my chest about 9/11. First, Al Qaeda attacked AMERICA ...
- I'm thinking J. Crew really did a good job this season. What do you think?
- Extended family crisis! Yesterday, my brother's wife wrote insults on a wall post in ...
- Name poll: Lyric,Malec,Ivo,Caspar
UrbanBaby Asks...
Do you 'enjoy' spending time with your kids?
- Yes, most of the time we really have fun together
- Sometimes it's fun, sometimes it's really dull and aggravating
- Honestly most of the time it's not fun at all, but it's not supposed to be fun
- I really don't enjoy it at all, and wish I could spend less time with them
Already voted? View Results
Stay Connected with UrbanBaby: 
Flashback
UB Like it's 1776!
Posted September 13, 2007(191 replies)
More reminiscing about laughs on UrbanBaby »Inside UrbanBaby
UrbanBabyBuzz
Fall is here. Family life trods along steadily to the pace of school, activities, and homework. If Mom is also inspired to learn this time of year, there are plenty of great choices just hitting the shelves:
Mom Energy: A Simple Plan to Live ...
More »
UrbanBabyNewYork
DUMBO Arts Festival
Enjoy local, national, and international art beneath the Brooklyn Bridge at this annual family-friendly happening. Check the schedule of music, dancers, poets and other performers for kiddie standouts: See the Bindlestiff F ...
More »
-
-
np: first Google hit: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001850/
[ Reply | More ]
-
I'm so sorry. I know a great guy in his 20s with NF1. Does your baby have inherited or sporadic NF1?
[ Reply | More ]not sure yet. what is your friend like? is his NF obvious? my baby seems perfect so far except she has maybe 25 spots. not all that noticeable because she is olive-toned. she is only 7 mos old though. everyone who meets her falls in love with her.
[ Reply | More ]OR: His NF looks like moderate acne all over his body - it's not a mild case but I stopped noticing it pretty quickly. To give you an idea what he's like, I met him in South America while he was studying abroad. His Spanish was just ok when I first met him but he was not shy about using it and his host family grew super attached to him--they took him everywhere and I was a little jealous of their closeness. We stay in touch on facebook and he's still very adventurous and outgoing--and his Spanish is a lot better than mine now.
[ Reply | More ]
^^^My own beautiful baby was born with a birth defect (though it's a "correctable" one)--so I have an inkling of how sad and painful this must be for you.
[ Reply | More ]what was the defect? my DB will have to be followed her whole life. things that develop may be correctable but you never know with NF1. most people though have only mild form of it (which is encouraging) (i.e. just spots basically)
[ Reply | More ]OR: DB has hydronephrosis and kidney reflux on one side. She's had to have a few painful procedures already and will need surgery but the problem should be fixed by the time she's old enough to know what's going on. I'm very hopeful that your DB's case is a mild one--my heart goes out to your family!
[ Reply | More ]
I know a 14 year old girl that has NF1. She has been through a lot of medical interventions but has some of the best doctors in the country at Boston Children's Hospital. She is an unbelievably strong girl and she and her mother are very involved with the NF research community. I can give you some contact info if you need, I am sure she would be happy to give you any advice you need. She is an amazing resource
[ Reply | More ]-
here's her facebook...maybe send her a message on there. I don't want to give out her private e-mail. Hope you get some good information. http://facebook.com/jcomando
[ Reply | More ]
-
I'm sorry. One of my friends has it. He is awesome, we met in grad school. Sending good thoughts to you and your husband.
[ Reply | More ]OP: Not sure if you are still watching this but just wanted to let you know that I have NF1. (I was just curious if there were any UB posts on this so searched). I've been very lucky and only have cafe-au-laits, really no medical issues. Please keep in mind that MOSTS cases really are mild, so chances are good your daughter will be fine. It's advice I don't follow but stay off google searches/NF specific boards too--you typically end up with worst case scenarios. You should check out CTF.org too.
[ Reply | More ]
[-]Hi! Anyone familiar with the Community School, Windward, Birchwood School? Grade-age dd with language processing disorder and ADHD. Any general feedback on these schools greatly appreciated!
1 reply [ Reply | Watch | More
[-]My son is highly intelligent, is entering a second year of Pre-K, and has a few quirks. I would categorize him as borderline SN; it could go either way. He has received SEIT/OT services since March. Could someone please tell me: which private NYC schools will consider him, and which will not? Are top-tier schools going to shun us no matter what? Should we even apply? Thanks for honest thoughts/experience.
12 replies [ Reply | Watch | Morewhat are his quirks? FWIW, my bright dd had TONS of quirks in preschool, and is virtually quirk-free at age 10.
[ Reply | More ]-
-
We had SEIT/OT in preschool, but by K totally mainstream except for some vestigial OT. Doing fine in a G&T in first now. Dunno about private, but public had no problem with it if a kid is 2E (that's "twice exceptional", as in both SN and gifted).
[ Reply | More ]The problem is that he's competing with literally hundreds of highly intelligent kids (or, let's say "of qualified intelligence) who are not SN. All the schools will consider any applicant seriously, but it's the competition that will kill you. Your preschool report and playdate will be important.
[ Reply | More ]Reality here, a lot of kids who would get services in public schools go to private schools. Some parents don't want their kids 'labeled', some 'quirky' kids needs are met in private schools because of smaller class sizes and two teachers in the classroom. Quirky kids are in all type of schools. Different schools tolerate different 'quirks'.
[ Reply | More ]
[-]My son is highly intelligent, is entering a second year of Pre-K, and has a few quirks. I would categorize him as borderline SN; it could go either way. He has received SEIT/OT services since March. Could someone please tell me: which private NYC schools will consider him, and which will not? Are top-tier schools going to shun us no matter what? Should we even apply? Thanks for honest thoughts/experience.
5 replies [ Reply | Watch | More
[-]Hello can anyone please recommend a good CPSE approved speech therapist in Manhattan, preferably on the UWS? Thank you!
1 reply [ Reply | Watch | More
[-]I need to get an evaluation for my ds, I think he may have adhd. Should I go to a nueropsych/phd for an evaluation or an md? I want an accurate diagnosis but am afraid that an md will prescribe meds, which I am hoping to avoid... tia.
4 replies [ Reply | Watch | MoreEven if you do label him with ADHD, what do you want out of it? meaning if you aren't planning to get special accommodations or meds, and his behavior is just in the range of active boy, why put a label on him? Some kids really do become their label, like if they're showing attitude, they're like, "oh well, i have oppositional defiant disorder".
[ Reply | More ]I did neurological psych...got meds from ped later but they never worked...we don't use them
[ Reply | More ]Find an MD or a pediatric neurologist who feels that medication is the last resort after you exhaust every other kind of treatment and intervention. ADHD can be helped with OT, behavior management, and alternative therapies like neurofeedback training. You might find that what you think is ADHD may be something totally different. I suggest a neurologist who specializes in pediatric diagnostics.
[ Reply | More ]
[-]Thoughts on having a 2nd child after the 1st was diagnosed as special needs? How did you decide to have a second - or not? What were your considerations? What was the biggest surprise, positive or negative, if you did?
2 replies [ Reply | Watch | MoreWhat are your resources? I don't mean just money, I mean things like your support network and respite caregivers. Is there a known cause of 1st dc's special needs, and is it genetic? If so, try talking to a geneticist about the odds of recurrence. Also, how severe are the special needs? There is almost zero chance that any child will be 100% perfect in every way. Is whatever problem your 1st child has something you think you could cope with in a 2nd? FWIW, autism runs heavily in my family, and I was concerned about the risk of having kids with the disorder. One has vision problems, one has neuromotor problems, and neither one is on the spectrum. You never know what you're going to get.
[ Reply | More ]
[-]Heartbroken. DS was oficially diagnosed with autism this morning. It isn't really a surprise, I've known something was wrong since he was about 6 months old, buthe is now 2 and so far behind and now we have the A word. I can't stop crying. I know now he will never be normal and i can't imagine what his life and my life are going to be. He is never going to do any of the things I imagined he would do. He will always be different and weird and never have any friends or go to normal schools or play little league. I am devastated. I don't know how I am going to cope. I also don't knwo what this is going to mean for my daughter, who now has to contend with an autistic brother. How do people handle this?
44 replies [ Reply | Watch | MoreHe will always be different, but he will have friends, he may be able to go to normal school, and who really cares about Little League? Find some support groups for parents of children on the spectrum and love your son.
[ Reply | More ]I DO love him. That is why I am so miserable. What happens when I am gone? He'll live alone in a group home with other people like him. He'll never be normal. What kind of life is that?
[ Reply | More ]
Get a grip. You need to see a therapist to help you deal with this and work w/ a specialist to help your whole family manage. It's very important to get your son early help . Of course he'll have friends and play games - maybe even little league. Please educate yourself and find good resources for your family.
[ Reply | More ]I am so sorry. But it will sink in. This is the new normal for you and it is not "weird" it is special and sweet and it will be everything to your family. It will be different but it will also be v special
[ Reply | More ]-
OP- I can't imagine ever accepting this. I have been crying non-stop since I first heard the official A word. I can't imagine dealing with this for the rest of my life. I want so much for him that he will never have. I can't imagine seeing anything special in a child so impaired.
[ Reply | More ]you want things for him that he will never have. But he may not want those things. He is a child. He just wants to be happy. Find joy in him and love him. I wish all parents--whether their children are autistic or not--would drop their expectations and love their kids as they are. ITS NOT ABOUT YOU. I'm sick of parents who want to have a certain type of child in a certain school. That's not about wanting the best for the child--it's about YOU, wanting to be the parent of that kind of child. Because it reflects on you. That's really what it comes down to.
[ Reply | More ]
-
The treatment, support networks, public understanding have never been as good as it is nowadays. You need a support group for you and take each day as it comes. Most everything in life isn't as bad as we fear. You child needs you to keep it together. Breathe and hug your baby... He needs hi mom right now. Everything else will come together, i'll pray for your family.
[ Reply | More ]I am sorry to hear about the diagnosis. Give yourself some time to mourn the life you thought you and your son would have. Once you are done mourning, or if it would make you feel better, get in contact with other parents with autistic kids. It will be scary at first but it will become your "new normal" over time. Your son is still your son - he's not a new person. Love him.
[ Reply | More ]post in youbemom special needs category, they seem nice and helpful. i think i have seen them recommend something called the first 100 days (after diagnosis) on autism speaks web site. i am sorry you are going through this but early intervention therapies seem to help a lot of kids progress more than you can imagine now.
[ Reply | More ]I don't know if any of these people are helping, but I just want to say, I'm sorry this happened. I am pg. now, and I totally get that it would be heartbreaking and terrifying. It is OK to grieve what you imagined he would be like and the dreams you had so that you can accept it and embrace who he actually is and create new dreams for him. Good luck with your sweet boy.
[ Reply | More ]Be strong. My daughter had an accident at her daycare that has left her with a bad facial scar and every day I feel sad about it, especially when people treat her differently, but I soldier on. Stp comparing yourself to other families--each family has its own state of "normalcy", which is fine as long as love remains the guiding emotion. I wish I had a support group, though--I think you will find it very helpful.
[ Reply | More ]
I know it is heartbreaking when it is first confirmed but I feel like you are really writing off your child and doing a disservice to both of you. I know there is a whole spectrum and from what you are saying maybe your son is on the severe end but he is not a lost cause. With treatments and real dedication, your son can make it in the world. I have worked with children all over the spectrum and the improvements and strides they make are amazing. I remember students that really did seem like too far inside themselves to ever be able to survive in this world independently but with hard work and the whole family being dedicated to helping them progress, they not only learned to read and be interested in things outside of themselves but the...
[ Reply | More ]As others have said, you need time to grieve and time to change your dreams about DS. Most of all, you need to know this is an emotional marathon not a sprint. You aren't expected to be OK with this now, but in 6 months you'll feel differently and in 3-4 years you will be someplace you probably never believed you could be. BTDT (not with A, but with different SN).
[ Reply | More ]I know exactly how you feel today but PLEASE know that there are many brighter days to come. When my son was diagnosed about 3 years ago, the psychologist spoke about him as though he was a "subject" and told us that in her professional opinion my son would never attend a "normal" school or have a "normal" life. The social worker then suggested that we "mourn" our loss. I was devastated, outraged and often inconsolable but most importantly I was absolutely determined to prove these two "professionals" wrong -- my son was and never will be a lost cause. The next day, I became his advocate and his teacher. I fought for every service available and spent an INORDINATE amount of time teaching him anything and everything. Friends, family an...
[ Reply | More ]I just wanted to tell you that the outlook may not be so bleak. Our son is also on the spectrum. He is seven now, and he goes to a normal public school and has lots of friends. Really and truly. He is actually a popular kid. Start therapy now, and stick with it. The schedules for these kids can be grueling, but it makes such a difference. A kid on the spectrum can be transformed by even a year of therapy in some cases.
[ Reply | More ]Sorry about your son's diagnosis, but as you said, it didn't come as a shock. Still, hearing it and accepting it are two different thi gs
[ Reply | More ]This site is not working for me - Sorry Let's try this again. It's tough to hear, even if you had a feeling something wasn't right. I know because my son was diagnosed 18 1/2 years ago. Actually I took him to be tested. I just knew. He was only a year and a half but Long Island has and had even then amazing services, schools etc. Now I am a parent advocate as well as a Paralegal specializing in Special Education Law. First of all, you are entitled to feel however you want. At the beginning, the underlying feeling is shock. But I will tell you two important things I've learned over the years and teach people now: 1) learn your state laws and know the federal laws, like IDEA, LRI etc. Fight for your child! Just because (if the do) th...
[ Reply | More ]not recommend services" doesn't mean he isn't entitled to them. Also, I'm telling you this now, because I KNOW it's true. Your son will be happy, if you smile at him and he is in an environment where there are trained caring people. HE will not know he is not happy. You assume he won't be. My son has always been in a self-contained classroom. He reads well, has ADHD, OCD, sensory integration disorder, diabetes and has always gone to a private school - preschool decided by the CPSE and at five it transfers to the CSE. I've had to video tape behaviors to "prove" things, and I always kept a detailed paper trail. It served me very well. My son (20 months older than his autistic brother) asks his brother, Jordan why do you go to CDD and ne ...
[ Reply | More ]he always laughs and says because I'm special! IGNORE stupid people that make comments. And they will. I remember being so shocked that someone would be unkind, sometimes downright mean to a child, but they are ignorant. Get used to it. My son lives at the residential home of his school since he was 15 and he has become so unbelievably independent. It never would have happened if we kept him at home. We would have done things for him. Make decisions for him, not to feed your guilt. I promise you he will not know he doesn't have a full life. That is what AUTISM is. But he will have a great life. I've always picked workshops over support groups. If you go to a support group and everyone sits around complaining, RUN FOR YOUR LIFE. I alwa...
[ Reply | More ]It's not easier in "the" real world. MOST IMPORTANT make an appt with your school's CPSE and get your son as many early intervention services as possible. Work with your neurologist. A great report from your doctor will definitely help your cause. Early intervention is the key!!!! GOOD LUCK!
[ Reply | More ]
-
Oh, one more thing - don't compare. Every single child/adult with autism is a little bit different. My son couldn't go to a regular school because of his ADHD OCD etc, and I was and am so happy. He has friends, he is in a bowling league, he just started on a challenger little league team. He gets music and art therapy and LOVES IT. But my son doesn't hug. He doesn't like to be touched. Years ago I used to take it almost personally. My other son is a huggy and kissy boy and still is very demonstrative. You will be great. And because of you, whatever life he has will make him happy. Never stop fighting and pushing him but don't assume, because it isn't what we think of as normal, he won't be happy. I totally feel what you are saying. ...
[ Reply | More ]
I am so overwhelmed right now. I can't stand looking into the future. It breaks my heart to think of him in a residential placement. I had so man hopes and dreams for him.
[ Reply | More ]OR: Hey, please don't think about the residential placement thing right away. Many, many kids with autism don't end up there. Can you afford intensive therapy (40 hours a week)? If you can do an ABA/floortime approach very intensively while dc is young, I think there is a great chance that none of the worst things you are picturing will come to pass. Truly.
[ Reply | More ]
PLEASE watch "Temple Grandin" a movie about this severely autistic kid who became an University Professor and the expert in the field of cattle. Early intervention is very important and can change your kid's life. Temple has also spoken at TED conference. Try and Google it to watch. She'll give you a perspective you need to cope with this disorder.
[ Reply | More ]Please do not let your fears about the future become your son's reality. Your reaction is why some therapists try not to formally diagnose a child until they are older. They are still developing. But, unfortunately, an A-word diagnosis is often what's needed to get services paid. Your son is VERY young. There is still brain growth happening. You can figure out how to connect with him, help him communicate. I get you're devastated but please, please don't give up. You don't have time. He needs you to get to work.
[ Reply | More ]I have a child on the autism spectrum. Since your DS is only 2, time is on your side. Pursue Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy. Hire a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) and do as much ABA as you can. Unfortunately, insurance doesn't always cover it and it's not cheap as it is optimal to do 20-40 hours of intensive therapy a week in order to see the benefit. Also, definitely join a parent support group. Autism is not a death sentence. It is not easy raising kids on the spectrum but many gains have been made in recent years. Many families swear by dietary modifications too, specifically casein/gluten free diets. Best of luck.
[ Reply | More ]btw, my DS is 15, getting ready to get his driver's license, and is mainstreamed at a regular high school. His diagnosis is Asperger's (which is different than Kanter's autism as it is on the higher functioning end of the spectrum) and we foresee college and an independent (albeit not always easy) life for him. It definitely is a constant two steps forward, one step back but you acclimate. Allow yourself to grieve at the news of the diagnosis, but don't wallow in it. Grieve, pull yourself together, embrace your new norm, and advocate on behalf of your child. And join a parent support group. That was the best thing I did when my DS was newly diagnosed.
[ Reply | More ]Be careful of people pushing ABA only, esp for a 2yo. ABA is one tactic in an overall program of OT, speech, and family therapy. A great OT has made a huge difference for my ds, who I'd suspected around 6 months wasnt typical. He later stopped eye contact, and was exhibiting many ASD behaviors. Autismtomorrows is a helpful blog. GL.
[ Reply | More ]
I'll share a positive story for you. A friend's child did not talk until 4, had rages, went to special pre-schools and early elementary. He got a lot of therapy. The parents made sacrifices. But he just graduated from public high school and was accepted to more than one college. He'll go to school in the same city where his older sister lives, but is not living at home or with his sister. He is sweet and helpful and smart and has friends and went to prom. But his parents did a LOT of early intervention therapies and sacrificed a lot to get him the supports he needed.
[ Reply | More ]Have you seen Something About Mary? Apart from all of the crude jokes and low-life men in the movie, Mary was smart and sweet and happy, and she loved and supported her MR/DD brother no matter what. And most people I have known in real life, who have had siblings with disabilities, have been exactly the same way, even through their teenage years. Your daughter will take her cues from you. If you treat your son like a burden or a disappointment or an embarrassment, she will see him that way. If you treat him like a loved and valued member of the family, so will your daughter.
[ Reply | More ]Get into a support group NOW. You are clearly not ready to handle this and need help, or you will pass all of these bad feelings on to your kids. This is exactly why people are supposed to have this conversation ("what if our child is disabled?") long before they ever get pregnant. Many children are born with or develop conditions that parents must be ready to cope with; your children's health and welfare must come before your desire to have a "normal" child. You are not ready, so please please take that first step today and find some local support and maybe a family therapist.
[ Reply | More ]Some of these responses are so unnecessarily harsh and shaming. I think this woman expressed herself very well. Obviously her feelings were threatening to some who felt they were a condemnation of special needs children everywhere... which is absurd. Her reaction is perfectly normal. Im sure she'll find her path eventually whether or not she gets 56 screaming responses to get her shit together. People post things because they feel alone. Not because they need to be "righted".
[ Reply | More ]
Some of these responses are so unnecessarily harsh and shaming. I think this woman expressed herself very well. Obviously her feelings were threatening to some who felt they were a condemnation of special needs children everywhere... which is absurd. Her reaction is perfectly normal. Im sure she'll find her path eventually whether or not she gets 56 screaming responses to get her shit together. People post things because they feel alone. Not because they need to be "righted".
[ Reply | More ]
[-]need advice: my 4yo ds is still having major emotional meltdowns that are unpredictable and unmanageable - he does not respond to any calming efforts. gross motor skills are great, but i suspect he has some sensory issues (hugs too hard, grinds teeth, puts too much food in mouth, etc). do i just go to an OT? or do i go to a developmental ped first and see what they say? he is bright and very verbal but is clearly struggling with something very big and i no longer know how to help him (if i ever did). tia.
5 replies [ Reply | Watch | More
[-]Great documentary about Autism http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/loving_lampposts/
3 replies [ Reply | Watch | MoreWatching it now. I have always felt that there is NOT more autism than before, there is just more diagnosis. When I was a kid, if you were autistic that meant you were nonverbal. If you could communicate at all, you would not get that diagnosis. If you became verbal, they would say, oh, it must not have been autism in the first place. There is no more autism than there ever was, just a much wider sense of spectrum and much, much more diagnosis, some of which are later "lost" but given in order for children to get early services. Why is there not more talk about how there really is not an epidemic, it is the diagnosis but not the incidence that has changed?
[ Reply | More ]
[-]I am a casting assistant for a pilot for a new reality TV show called "Make Room For Baby." I have only a week to gather as many people as I can who fit the description below and I need all of your help passing this along to people whomever you feel might be right or sending me suggestions if you have any. Here is what we need: Married Couples (or ones with long terms commitments) of any race, ethnicity or socio-economic status who have THEIR FIRST newborn baby who live in the NYC area (including Long Island) The baby must be no older than 9 MONTHS! They must be willing to be honest about how the transition to being parents has affected their marriage. Anyone interested in being a part of this must send a brief des...
2 replies [ Reply | Watch | More
[-]How does one teach an autistic teen girl abour period and keeping clean? So stressed out about this
2 replies [ Reply | Watch | More
[-]My son was very recently diagnosed with ADHD. He is doing well in school now and is very bright, but his doctors suggested that certain accommodations, such as preferrential seating and more breaks, would help him. He's in public school now, but we may want to apply to private schools at some point. Are there negative ramifications if I ask his school for a Section 504 designation? For example will that designation preclude him from gifted & talented programs, or make it impossible for him to get into private schools some day? The alternative would be to talk directly to his teacher and ask her for informal help, but then I have nothing to back up my requests if they aren't complied with. Any help, or good resources, would be apprecia...
7 replies [ Reply | Watch | More-
-
Ah. I think it really starts to matter in the 3rd grade, when the standardized testing sets in. You'll probably want some accommodations for that. Does your son's therapist have any guidance on this?
[ Reply | More ]He suggested I seek accommodations in order to get preferrential seating, etc. I just want to make sure I'm not making some kind of mistake with getting a label put on him.
[ Reply | More ]OR: I don't really know from personal experience (we seem to be headed toward an ADHD diagnosis, too, but dd is doing fine in school for now). I would think that the accommodations are necessary and will outweigh any hypothetical negative impact later. Sadly, good scores on the standardized tests seem to matter more than any label.
[ Reply | More ]It's a fairly well-known fact that extended time helps kids even if they do not have diagnosed condition. I would ask for a 504 accommodations plan without hesitation. Juts be sure to get evaluations completed that document the disability and need for testing accommodations. You might also want to request a full evaluation for special education. He would potentially get an IEP with a classification of Other Health Impairment and stronger legal protections than what's offered on a 504. He might also get school-based counseling to help boost skills in organization or social skills if those are challenges. Both the IEP and 504 are portable no matter which school he attends, public or private.
[ Reply | More ]
-
My DD has ADHD but does not get accommodations because her neurospych came back with 99+ percentile scores so my therapist said there is no way the NYC public schools would give it since her ADHD does not hinder her learning (she just have behavior issues) and there are kids whose learning is seriously affected. She just finished 3rd grade and received 4s on ELA and math. She may need acommodations at some point but you do not simply get it because of ADHD diagnosis. But I digress since it seems that your son would get acommodations and it is a question of seeking it or not. I am pretty open about everything and I would not want my DD at a school who could not support her issues. So whenver she goes to camp, etc. I disclose everything....
[ Reply | More ]
-
[-]Our OT suggested horseback riding for our son, who is quite low tone. Seems like a great idea in theory, but he's not even 2 yet, and I can't find anything in the NY area that takes kids under 4. Any suggestions? TIA!
13 replies [ Reply | Watch | More2 is pretty young to be involved with hippotherapy... try swimming, lots of floor play, working on easels/vertical surfaces, or maybe a gymboree class?? hippotherapy is an excellent way to build muscle tone, increase body awareness and balance, but I would wait at least until next summer/fall to try it out!
[ Reply | More ]A 2YO should not be on a horse! What is low tone? Muscle development? Coordination? Pony rides are one thing - way too young for riding unless one of the parents is an experienced rider and comfortable riding w/ the child.
[ Reply | More ]Muscle development AND co-ordination, actually, as a result of severe epilepsy. Yes, 2 does seem young - I wasn't in the room when the OT suggested it, so I'm hearing it 2nd hand and haven't been able to get in touch with her. Good chance it's just a mis-communication. Thanks for the input!
[ Reply | More ]Best of luck w/ DS. Epilepsy sucks - but modern medicine is amazing. My cousin is 22 and has had severe seizures since birth - didn't leave the hospital until a few weeks before his first birthday. He was okay until puberty - they had to adjust meds a bunch at that point. At 20 he got a device in his brain (activated by a magnet on his wrist) that reduces/ eliminates seizures. He's an amazing person - just graduated college and has a bright future. I'd skip the horses for now if you aren't horse people - but don't abandon the idea - could be very great in the future. Stick with gym / dance/ music stuff for now.
[ Reply | More ]
I have heard people on ub mention low tone before. Can you please tell me what this means.
[ Reply | More ]"The low muscle tone associated with hypotonia must not be confused with low muscle strength or the definition commonly used in body building. Neurologic muscle tone is a manifestation of periodic action potentials from motor neurons. As it is an intrinsic property of the nervous system, it cannot be changed through voluntary control, exercise, or diet." wikipedia
[ Reply | More ]
[-]Anyone know anyone whose child ended up having problems b/c they were on antidepressants during pregnancyor breastfeeding?
8 replies [ Reply | Watch | MoreOkay to take wellbutrin, a low dose (150mg) and breastfeed? One psychiatrist put me on it, but then I switched doctors and the new doctor is giving me hell about it. She actually said, " Personally, I wouldn't be on wellbutrin if I were breastfeeding." Just want some other opinions. Seems like not enough research has been done on this particular drug.
[ Reply | More ]Thats why I didnt breastfeed. I had to be on the anti depressants through pregnancy but when it came to breast feeding there was more of choice. I though better formula than tainted breast milk.. Just me
[ Reply | More ]Thanks for your input. Baby's 3 months now and is developing great. Pediatrician, OB and 1st shrink all gave me the green light. But I can't help worrying about it and now I've decided to self-wean. DH wants me to stay on it:)
[ Reply | More ]I think you mean "wean"? A DB self-weans, the mom weans the DB. That's great your DB is going so well, and good for sticking with it for 3 mos. Keep in mind that in another month or two DB will start solids, and gradually the BM (or formula) will be a smaller percentage of daily calories. That means even less of drug entering your BM (to the extent that there is any now). Also as DB puts on more weight, it's even less likely to affect him (again, to the extent there is any impact now, which appears not to be). Good luck whatever you decide.
[ Reply | More ]
