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DylansMom
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31 Aug 2008, 2:09 pm

Hi All, I am a parent of a 7 1/2yr old boy with AS, ADHD and SPD. We live in Cape Town, Sout h Africa (not sure how many members are from SA).
Dylan will be going to Grade 1 next year at a small remedial school. He cannot mainstream without a facilitator and his current school does not support this, actually they don't support him very much at all, hence the move to another school.
We are currently changing his medication from Ritalin to Strattera and so far so good. He is eating again and sleeping much better which is the best part of this change ! !
We take life one day at a time as each day is totally different from the last ! !!
I am here to share, learn and advise as much as I can.
Bye for now from a freezing cold and wet Cape Town :D



asplanet
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31 Aug 2008, 3:55 pm

DylansMom wrote:
We are currently changing his medication from Ritalin to Strattera and so far so good.


HI welcome DylansMom, I just want to say I would of been on medication years ago, but no one knew or really medicated back then. Exercise has been my best medication, I know how hard it can be with children with ADHD etc... had myself and understanding the endless energy we have, but you may want to read some think I wrote/put together before changing your child's medication yet again, there are alternatives...

I have Aspergers, ADHD and many more co morbid, associated learning difficulties... my biggest problem in life growing up was lack of real understanding from others... the energy thing can be controlled once we are understood and can understand ourselves... I also have a son on the autism spectrum. As a mother I know you will be doing what yoiu feel is right for your child, and some child medication mya be the only option, just wanted to give you another perspective.
Regards Alyson - Do Not Drug Us, Undetstand Us:
http://asplanet.info/index.php?option=c ... Itemid=105


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Bozewani
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31 Aug 2008, 3:56 pm

I am not South African, but I might be living in Cape Town one day, so tell me how the environment is like there for auties.

As for meds, I am not a supporter of them, and I would advise CBT(Cognitive Behavior Therapy) instead. If you need suggestions, please don't hesitate to ask. I have tried medications, ending seven years ago, and it only exacerbated my issues and extenuated extremes to untenable levels.

Why is your son in a remedial school, instead of a "normal school?"

and if I do have a family in South Africa, how is the country? Is it friendly to auties? You would think because the Constitution is something that gives me a lot of hope.



lelia
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31 Aug 2008, 4:04 pm

I hope you find some good support here. Don't forget to check out the parent's forum.



SpiceWolf
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31 Aug 2008, 4:06 pm

Welcome to the Forums :)

L.



AnonymousAnonymous
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31 Aug 2008, 4:14 pm

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

I may come to South Africa one day to fufill my major for my future university.

:)


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JetLag
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31 Aug 2008, 5:29 pm

Welcome aboard Wrong Planet, DylansMom. Always does our hearts good to hear about a fellow traveler responding well to medication. All the best to you and to your seven-and-a-half-year-old son. Keep warm and dry there in Cape Town.



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31 Aug 2008, 8:03 pm

Welcome to WP!


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CelticRose
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31 Aug 2008, 9:06 pm

Welcome to WP! :)


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Eggman
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01 Sep 2008, 1:04 am

yo



JerryHatake
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01 Sep 2008, 6:28 am

Nice to meet you, DylansMom. :) 8)


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richie
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01 Sep 2008, 9:34 am

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To WrongPlanet!! !Image


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01 Sep 2008, 8:14 pm

Hello,

Welcome to Wrong Planet


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The only thing I got was the error message because I have to reboot my best friend sometimes.

I have two cousins and a younger sibling who have Asperger Syndrome.


DylansMom
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09 Sep 2008, 3:18 pm

It would be so much easier if I could post a reply to each of you and hopefully have remembered all I want to say in response to you all.
Thank you for the welcome, I am sure I shall enjoy my stay at Wrong Planet :D

Asplanet & Bozewani - Medication really was my last option and I was extremely against it.
I do not regret putting my son on Ritalin as he did help him at school and just coping with life in general. However, as I say that I am equally pleased that I have changed him from Ritalin to Strattera - I have my son back ! ! He has really come to life since we have changed him and it honestly has shown me how much Ritalin actually makes your child become a zombie. The best part is that he is eating and sleeping again.

Bozewani - Cape Town is a WONDERFUL place ! !! Beautiful, scenic, laid back and just wonderful. You certainly would enjoy the beauty of the city.
My son is going to remedial school next year as he cannot mainstream without a facilitator, which his current school does not allow. The new school will have max 10 kids per class and is geared for children with learning difficulties and who cannot mainstream. I am extremely excited and wish that he could have been there from the start of this year already.

Looking forward to chatting with you all and I will visit the parents forum too.



Josie
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10 Sep 2008, 11:45 pm

My name is Lauren. My Mom is from Johansburg, SA.

I'm half south african. I love cape town- it rocks. I grew up in the states.



dogfish
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11 Sep 2008, 7:09 am

Hello dylansmom.

I'm glad you have found something that works for your son. :)