Posts by Peggy
Overheard in the Wolfe House #94
Peggy: So when do you work again today?
Sam: Three to eight-thirty. I’m working for someone else who has prom today.
Peggy: Oh, that was nice of you.
Sam: Yes. I took the work to force him to go.
Overheard in the Wolfe House #93
Sam: How was work today?
Peggy: Just fine. Thanks for asking. How was it at nonPareil today?
Sam: Great. My student had to clean his computer. Of course, I had to supervise.
High Fives for the Local Guys
Our sister paper, The Dallas Morning News, ran a nice piece about nonPareil today. (Yes, there’s a pay wall. We journalists have to make a living, too.)
When Sam saw the photo, he said, “when I see that, its just amazing.”
Today was his first day to be a trainer. He said it went well, but he has to train a lot more to be a good trainer.
Overheard in the Wolfe House #92
Sam: How was work today Mom?
Peggy: Not good. I …
Sam: Don’t tell me about it.
Overheard in the Wolfe House #91
Sam: I was getting ready to play some midi-files of Nintendo tunes.
Peggy: That sounds fun.
Sam: I thought you didn’t like those songs.
Peggy: I don’t like that they repeat.
Sam: Well, you can’t repeat a midi file. They have to play through to the final note.
Getting a promotion
I got word today that Sam has built two computers now, and has been asked to train another student there at nonPareil how to do it.
His first promotion.
I asked Sam yesterday whether he would want to take any more computer classes at NCTC after graduation. They probably would let him, I said. “I don’t think I’ll be doing any more of that,” he said.
The cap and gown are hanging in the closet. Instructions for the ceremonies arrived in the mail this week. We are rapidly coming to the edge of the cliff. I have no idea what’s in store, but we will do what we’ve always done before.
Leap, and the net will appear.
Overheard in the Wolfe House #90
Peggy: Wow, Sam, thanks so much for putting those dishes away.
Sam: Yeah, well, you’re going to be washing more pretty soon.
Overheard in the Wolfe House #89
Peggy (eyes twinkling): So, Sam, what is that package on the office floor?
Sam: That would be my hat and gown. (pause) And that’s all I’m going to say about that right now.
Never medicated
Today’s installment is from a CNN blog entry on a review of studies, determining whether drugs — pretty much of any kind — help treat autism “core” symptoms.
And the verdict? They don’t.
Not secretin, not antipsychotic drugs, not serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), not antidepressants, not stimulants or any other medication for hyperactivity.
We never agreed to any kind of medication for Sam, even when it was suggested when he was struggling with some anxiety during his first year of college. We dusted off some relaxation techniques and he worked through it. Life is hard enough for him and kids like him without trying to do it doped up.
The only thing that helps core symptoms (repetitive behaviors, communication and socialization) is applied behavioral therapy, and the earlier the better.
And I’m with Dr. Margaret Bauman — some of those repetitive behaviors have a purpose. Pay close attention before you try to extinguish or re-direct them. You may be sorry you tried.
Overheard in the Wolfe House #88
(Paige grunts in disgust in the other room.)
Peggy: I think Paige is having trouble hemming her prom dress.
Sam: What can she do?
Peggy: Should I go help her?
Sam: Whatever you want. I can’t help her.