Never medicated

By Peggy | April 6, 2011 |

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.

Posted in adults with autism, early intervention, hope

A call to be

By Peggy | April 5, 2011 |

My former editor and good friend, Annette Fuller, wrote this installment for autism awareness in the Winston-Salem Journal.

That a father would start a company in order to serve his son is no surprise to me. The folks over at nonPareil did the same.

But I was surprised at one statistic he shared with Annette: those of us without disabilities have more than 150 people in our support network. People with disabilities have 10 — and that is the challenge to the rest of us. Are you part of that network for someone with a disability? Maybe you should be.

Posted in adults with autism

All month long

By Peggy | April 4, 2011 |

It’s April and it’s “autism awareness” month. We’re pretty “aware” of autism around the Wolfe house, but I will give my two cents on the many news stories that roll out this month.

I’m happy to see the story today in Parade magazine about the first wave of the autism baby boom turning 20. There are so few programs for adults.

Sam is fortunate to be interning at nonPareil. Gary Moore, one of the directors and founders, tells me there are plenty of kids like Sam out there — some have managed to earn a 4-year degree; Sam will be getting a certificate — and have trouble holding down a job.

Joanne Chen points out in today’s article that 20 percent of adults with autism are employed. Sixty percent are either under-employed or paid below-market wages.

That will be Sam when he graduates. He bags groceries at Albertsons; he could be building computers for someone. He loves it; and as far as I can tell, he’s doing a good job. And like other adults with autism, he doesn’t mind repetitive work.

Who will hire him?

P.S. Happy Birthday to the Family Room blog, sometimes better known as the Overheard in the Wolfe House blog, but still oneyear old today.

Posted in adults with autism

Coming up

By Peggy | March 30, 2011 |

I will be providing some parent training at Region 10 in Richardson on May 7. I’ll explain what Texas Parent to Parent does for families, and also the decision-making training I provided in New Braunfels and Corpus Christi last year. More deets to come.

Posted in Uncategorized

Overheard in the Wolfe House #86

By Peggy | March 30, 2011 |

Sam: Can you get this cocoa buttermilk cake recipe for my graduation?
Peggy: Sure.
Sam: What goes with cake?
Peggy: Punch goes with cake. At an open house, you have cake and punch, and some little things. I can make some little candies. Do you want punch?
Sam: Sure.

Posted in What Sam says