Parenting
Asperger Kids

First, breathe. I mean really breathe deeply. Put your child(ren) in a safe environment and remove yourself. Then I suggest slamming your fiercely clenched fists with gusto into any available pillows for as long as your arms hold out. Let the tears roll, and scream your head off into a soft cushion until you just cannot do it anymore. Take a shower, cry as long as the water holds up, and go lie down and blubber some more.

Your head will take you to some nasty, dark places filled with terror of how you will cope. How life is suddenly very different from the predictability of yesterday when parenting Asperger kids. You may go so far as to envision Rainman moving into your home under the guise of the child you thought you knew so well.

Let it pass, wave goodbye to these thoughts and know in your heart that you are STRONGER than ANYTHING that can happen to you. You truly are.

1. You will probably dive into the Internet and read about topics that you never wanted to learn about. Like Aspergers, OCD, ADHD, Behavioral Modification, the Window of Opportunity, Echolalia, Autism, Floor Time, Sensory Integration, HBots, Mercury poisoning from inoculations, GF/CF diets, stims, Cranial Sacral therapy, OT, PT ... this list goes on and on.

   It's easy to feel overwhelmed and panicky that you can't do enough soon enough to make things "right." Breathe. It is a lot at first; however, you will sort it out and have a sense of order soon enough.

2. Now, book an appointment with any DAN (Defeat Autism Now) affiliated pediatrician. Get a hair or blood analysis to determine toxic levels of lead, iron, and assorted minerals in your child's system. While you await the results, you can begin to carefully examine your child's food and drink preferences. This will make sense later as you learn about how some foods affect some children differently.

   Contact me for info on MDs from DAN. Alternatively, get in touch with a good Osteopath who will conduct the toxic study and perhaps perform non-invasive healing treatments that can be helpful.

3. Get comfortable with living one day at a time. Some days will be much crazier than others. On the calmer days, be grateful for the calm. Embrace it; bask in it, as it is fleeting. This is your time to recharge physically and mentally. It is a gift.

4. Stay focused on maintaining an appreciation for your child's unique greatness, his or her successes, however big or small. Take time for yourself even if you are crying in the shower or getting a mani-pedi or seeing a movie.

Ask me questions or just vent. I'll do all I can to help you, or I'll direct you to someone who can. The venting really helps when you know that the one you're venting to has been on the road you're traveling.