tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23254997.post340313108704083778..comments2023-09-23T03:23:06.597-06:00Comments on Banku, Pho and Fried Spiders: Looking for Some Truth (Have you met Bright?)A. Gillispiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05867049082571384585noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23254997.post-3572756343015889012012-07-27T08:30:25.057-06:002012-07-27T08:30:25.057-06:00Hi Anita-
I have son from the Philippines that sou...Hi Anita-<br />I have son from the Philippines that sounds very much like Bright-severe malnutrition and all the other stuff that goes with it. He was diagnosed with autism when he was about 6-7 years old. In the meantime, I have 2 more from disrupted adoptions who were recently diagnosed Aspergers..all from different professionals in different places. Our road shall be filled with twists and turns...and unsuspecting ride. But, like you, it is OUR ride and by the grace of God, we will journey together...<br />Just words of hope and support....no matter what, knowing will help and you will ride the ride.<br />EllenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23254997.post-44372718165960650662012-07-25T07:40:43.678-06:002012-07-25T07:40:43.678-06:00Anita, something I just thought of....I read somew...Anita, something I just thought of....I read somewhere that the brain/body 're-wires' itself (very lay-man speaking) around age 8 and again at around 13. There are 'windows' to help the brain heal in these windows by continuing positive experiences and I don't know how to explain this, but with 'fatty' foods as the brain needs a certain kind of fat. Ugh. I know I"m not describing it well, but I'm sure a few google searches can help??? The re-wiring has been talked about on the RAD sites a lot. It doesn't sound like Bright has RAD, but trauma, malnutrition, institutional setting can lead to all sorts of stuff (I know you know this). Also, have you thought of maybe putting Bright in the public school for some things (with a 504, etc etc). I think it depends on the school, but here, there is a family who homeschools, but also sends her kids to the public school for PE and a couple of subjects she can't cover at home. The kids get the best of both worlds in a way - socialization of school and homeschool. I don't know, just some ideas :)Erickahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03870497728625144863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23254997.post-32814742692227441692012-07-25T07:31:41.421-06:002012-07-25T07:31:41.421-06:00Oh Anita, I can't believe Bright is going to b...Oh Anita, I can't believe Bright is going to be SEVEN!!! I remember when you were stuck in Ghana trying to bring him home and the subsequent flight!!!!<br />Praying you get some answers and peace and the strength to move forward. Hugs sweet momma!Erickahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03870497728625144863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23254997.post-52524777177965610862012-07-17T10:21:07.348-06:002012-07-17T10:21:07.348-06:00My son came home with additional special needs tha...My son came home with additional special needs that were cognative related. It takes time to put all the pieces together. Since every one knows about autism that is often peoples first thought. What you have described does not sound to me like autism. Knowing your sons early history it sounds much more related to his history of extreme malnutrition causing aquired brain injury.<br /><br />This can cause low IQ and many other issues depending on the parts of the brain that are affected. I have found that getting OT, PT, and speech evaluations along with seeing a really specialized neurologist helped to finally put the pieces of the puzzle together.<br /><br />Several of the neurologist we saw were useless but finding one with a really good reputation for working with kids and families is what you are looking for. <br /><br />Being in a special ed program at our school has also helped my son. I know you home school and I don't know about services at your local schools. My son needs to be in self contained class rooms and has had some amazing teachers who have really helped me to see ways to work with him. <br /><br />I know its hard when our kids have extra needs that are so challenging for them. I have learned the most by net working with other Mom's through special ed at school, through local programs for DDD, like the ARC which they have in most states. There is a lot of support and resources out there, and its what you and Bright need on this journey. I know it hurts to see our kids struggle, but information and finding services and support are what has helped to get me through. <br /><br />Thinking of you,<br /><br />SammieSammiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394690162973974941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23254997.post-33785934998961405532012-07-15T13:19:14.514-06:002012-07-15T13:19:14.514-06:00Hugs Miss Anita. I know it's so, so freaking ...Hugs Miss Anita. I know it's so, so freaking hard. Praying for you and your precious Bright.Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09272756526474014493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23254997.post-23241471666063125292012-07-15T08:27:00.263-06:002012-07-15T08:27:00.263-06:00I haven't met Bright in person but wanted to s...I haven't met Bright in person but wanted to share a few thoughts that came to mind while reading. <br /><br />What you describe does sound like it could be autism. I would get an evaluation. It's hard to consider that possibility but in some ways it's easier to know. Knowing that Sunshine has autism has helped more than I can say. It opens up a whole new world of interventions and support. It helps us look at her differently and understand why she does what she does. It's made us more compassionate towards her obsessions and stims and her struggles around people. I am sad that she has autism but I am glad that we know about it. It has helped us go forward and helped us function better as a family.<br /><br />I also wanted to mention sensory processing disorder. Many kids with SPD appear to have autism. They may have repetitive behaviors, struggle in social situations and melt down over changes in routine. Many kids with autism have SPD but there are many kids WITHOUT autism who also have SPD. Sometimes kids are diagnosed with autism when they actually have SPD. It is definitely something to look into. Find a good occupational therapist who has experience with sensory issues. Ideally you want him to go to an OT clinic because they will have the good equipment - swings, bikes, etc - to use during therapy. A good OT will also be able to help you develop a "sensory diet" which is a list of things to do each day to help him regulate his sensory system. I have been amazed at how much this sensory stuff helps my kids (both with Sunshine, who does have autism and with Ace who is very typically functioning and socially adept). An OT friend of mine who is also an adoptive mom says she has never met an internationally adopted child who doesn't have at least some sensory issues - and that most would benefit from sensory therapy. <br /><br />You'll be in my prayers as you try to sort this out. Unexpected special needs are hard to deal with - much harder than the ones you know about and prepare for you. Hugs from a mom who's been there.Reading Widely https://www.blogger.com/profile/04623490605434252471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23254997.post-43040485346226036882012-07-15T07:48:08.118-06:002012-07-15T07:48:08.118-06:00What a difficult situation. I hope you can find so...What a difficult situation. I hope you can find some answers soon. Praying for you and your family.The C Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01627783791701080038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23254997.post-69609667151283480702012-07-15T06:12:15.641-06:002012-07-15T06:12:15.641-06:00I can't answer about Bright. I'm so sorry...I can't answer about Bright. I'm so sorry. I didn't spend a lot of time with him at the Akwaaba Gathering, but I can hear you asking all the same questions we ask about Juliana every single day. <br /><br />She will be 6 in October and comes from a lot of the same background as Bright. Foolishly, in Ghana, I thought she was chubby because she was was so small, well fed and so loved (she was the "baby" at the orphanage). That's what I was told. Nope. She came home and was diagnosed with kwashiorkor malnutrition. She has horrible PTSD that lead to major melt downs about things I'll never understand (her triggers are a huge mystery to me) and she now carries a diagnosis of Institutional Autism/Aspbergers.<br /><br />Having that diagnosis and working with our local school system within the confines of that diagnosis has made a TON of difference. She has a 504 plan, gets the OT, PT, Speech she needs (when she needs it) and she's taught by Special Ed in a way that lends itself to her style of learning. I know you home school, but my understanding is you can still get intervention through the school system. We also do play therapy. <br /><br />We started therapy when she was three. When she's in a good place, we'll stop for awhile and as soon as I see her sliding back into her trauma shell, we go back again. I have read, reread and read again my copy of Karyn Purvis, It's falling apart, so I finally bought it for my Kindle. <br /><br />These are probably things you're already doing, but as another mom, I just heard the sadness in your post and mostly wanted to let you know...you're not alone. This is so hard. There isn't anything any one of us wouldn't do to just 'fix' our kids. If I can help in any way, please feel free to email me. Hugs Anita.FullPlateMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09293687772824676499noreply@blogger.com