The Latest 411

So...after I BIG break from blogging, I'm back! I blogged Julianna's whole first year and then stopped. After Allie was born I tried to get back in the swing of things as far as blogging is concerned and couldn't do it. But, since Joe has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome I feel inspired to blog again.


As stated above Joe was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome about 2 weeks ago. Joe is an absolute text book case of Asperger's so I'm just going to paste the "What is it?" and "Symptoms of" so you get a better idea.

Asperger’s syndrome is a developmental disorder in which people have severe difficulties understanding how to interact socially. People with Asperger's syndrome have some traits of autism, especially weak social skills and a preference for sameness and routine. But unlike those with autism, children with Asperger's syndrome usually start to talk around 2 years of age (the age at which speech normally develops). They have normal to above-normal intelligence. Both conditions belong to the group of disorders called pervasive developmental disorders. As many as 3 out of every 10,000 people have Asperger's syndrome.

Children with Asperger's syndrome typically develop a good to excellent vocabulary, although they usually lack the social instincts and practical skills needed when relating to others. They may not recognize verbal and nonverbal cues or understand social norms, such as taking turns talking or grasping the concept of personal space. They may have difficulties with accent, tone, and pitch, which can make their speech sometimes odd or difficult to understand. And they may have difficulty expressing their own feelings and perceiving others' feelings. Children with Asperger's typically make efforts to establish friendships, but they may have difficulty making friends because of their social awkwardness. Children with Asperger's syndrome often have limited and very focused interests. They are often most comfortable with fixed routines and dislike change. They may lack coordination, exhibit unusual facial expressions, body postures, and gestures, and be somewhat clumsy. Many children with Asperger's syndrome also have trouble with fine motor skills, such as handwriting.

So...that's what we're working with. We are waiting for a referral to see a psychotherapist and will know a lot more then. Thankfully we believe Joey is a high functioning case. He will attend school and be in regular classes, he will just need in a little more help in certain areas. I am worried about him making friends and being teased...I'm just taking things one day at a time and dealing with problems as they arise.

As far as the girls. They are doing great. Julianna is thriving in therapy and is almost done. This will definitely be her last 6 month session. She was just tested and is above age level for her vocabulary, the girl is a talker! She still is a Dora fan but lately Charlotte's Web is her favorite. Julianna will come bobbing down the hallway..."I want to watch the pig", at least twice a day. Allie is your typical 5 1/2 month old. She spends her days, swing, "talking" and eating...what a life!