O/T Chimp #1 update (autism assessment)
Jan 23rd 2004, 3:28 am
#1
Banned
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,613
O/T Chimp #1 update (autism assessment)
Well, the assessment happened and it ain't all bad.
Chimp probably needs speech therapy. However, he positively does not figure anywhere on the severe end of the autism spectrum. If anything, probably what he might show is very slight behavioural/ relationship issues that spin off from the slow development of his speech, not from autism. Not even certain he has any behavioural/ relationship issues anyway - nothing obvious now and would need further assessment.
So what didn't turn out as a significant question mark to pursue now was: does he seem to show signs of mild autism? At this stage, he can be assessed further but there are no positive indicators of autism.
The only definite is, he is a bit slow in his language development (which may not be so surprising with parents of different mother-tongues).
The doctor said that if there does turn out to be very mild autism, it may be quite impossible to diagnose it before he is about 8-9 years old (though at a few years younger would be more normal).
And he fully expects littl'un to speak perfectly normally in a short while (maybe before he's four) - ie there's not too much chance at all that he'll be one of the more seriously affected sufferers on the autism spectrum who never develop speech.
Quite a relief for us.
Chimp probably needs speech therapy. However, he positively does not figure anywhere on the severe end of the autism spectrum. If anything, probably what he might show is very slight behavioural/ relationship issues that spin off from the slow development of his speech, not from autism. Not even certain he has any behavioural/ relationship issues anyway - nothing obvious now and would need further assessment.
So what didn't turn out as a significant question mark to pursue now was: does he seem to show signs of mild autism? At this stage, he can be assessed further but there are no positive indicators of autism.
The only definite is, he is a bit slow in his language development (which may not be so surprising with parents of different mother-tongues).
The doctor said that if there does turn out to be very mild autism, it may be quite impossible to diagnose it before he is about 8-9 years old (though at a few years younger would be more normal).
And he fully expects littl'un to speak perfectly normally in a short while (maybe before he's four) - ie there's not too much chance at all that he'll be one of the more seriously affected sufferers on the autism spectrum who never develop speech.
Quite a relief for us.
Jan 23rd 2004, 3:53 am
#2
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2002
Location: Dream life UK....
Posts: 2,912
Re: O/T Chimp #1 update (autism assessment)
Originally posted by pleasancefamily
Well, the assessment happened and it ain't all bad.
Chimp probably needs speech therapy. However, he positively does not figure anywhere on the severe end of the autism spectrum. If anything, probably what he might show is very slight behavioural/ relationship issues that spin off from the slow development of his speech, not from autism. Not even certain he has any behavioural/ relationship issues anyway - nothing obvious now and would need further assessment.
So what didn't turn out as a significant question mark to pursue now was: does he seem to show signs of mild autism? At this stage, he can be assessed further but there are no positive indicators of autism.
The only definite is, he is a bit slow in his language development (which may not be so surprising with parents of different mother-tongues).
The doctor said that if there does turn out to be very mild autism, it may be quite impossible to diagnose it before he is about 8-9 years old (though at a few years younger would be more normal).
And he fully expects littl'un to speak perfectly normally in a short while (maybe before he's four) - ie there's not too much chance at all that he'll be one of the more seriously affected sufferers on the autism spectrum who never develop speech.
Quite a relief for us.
Well, the assessment happened and it ain't all bad.
Chimp probably needs speech therapy. However, he positively does not figure anywhere on the severe end of the autism spectrum. If anything, probably what he might show is very slight behavioural/ relationship issues that spin off from the slow development of his speech, not from autism. Not even certain he has any behavioural/ relationship issues anyway - nothing obvious now and would need further assessment.
So what didn't turn out as a significant question mark to pursue now was: does he seem to show signs of mild autism? At this stage, he can be assessed further but there are no positive indicators of autism.
The only definite is, he is a bit slow in his language development (which may not be so surprising with parents of different mother-tongues).
The doctor said that if there does turn out to be very mild autism, it may be quite impossible to diagnose it before he is about 8-9 years old (though at a few years younger would be more normal).
And he fully expects littl'un to speak perfectly normally in a short while (maybe before he's four) - ie there's not too much chance at all that he'll be one of the more seriously affected sufferers on the autism spectrum who never develop speech.
Quite a relief for us.
Jan 23rd 2004, 4:00 am
#3
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,666
I am very pleased ot hear that Don. Must have been a huge worry for you.
I reckon he will come on leaps and bounds over the next year or so, especially once you settle in NZ more.
I reckon he will come on leaps and bounds over the next year or so, especially once you settle in NZ more.
Jan 23rd 2004, 4:04 am
#4
Banned
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,613
Re: O/T Chimp #1 update (autism assessment)
Originally posted by dotty
You must feel lots better for knowing more about whats going on. Focus on the little fellas strengths and boost his confidence so he knows what hes good at too. And when he starts school, get onto it with them straight away. Dont be shy to ask what are they going to do for him. In my experience funding only goes so far and its the parents who make the most noises who get the help. Good luck with him Don.
You must feel lots better for knowing more about whats going on. Focus on the little fellas strengths and boost his confidence so he knows what hes good at too. And when he starts school, get onto it with them straight away. Dont be shy to ask what are they going to do for him. In my experience funding only goes so far and its the parents who make the most noises who get the help. Good luck with him Don.
I kind of realised what you say about making noises already, I'm sure it's true of NZ as of UK and Aus. This morning he was talking about getting us referred for speech therapy within a few weeks etc, how overstretched they are on the (public) hospital side etc. Had to wave the moolah around and the same consultants can see us privately without delay, it'll probably cost NZD50 an hour or so.
Jan 23rd 2004, 4:08 am
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Perth, Jnr is back!
Posts: 1,286
Good News Don - hope the little chimp goes from strength to strength.
DI
DI
Jan 23rd 2004, 4:14 am
#6
Banned
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,613
Originally posted by podgypossum
I am very pleased ot hear that Don. Must have been a huge worry for you.
I reckon he will come on leaps and bounds over the next year or so, especially once you settle in NZ more.
I am very pleased ot hear that Don. Must have been a huge worry for you.
I reckon he will come on leaps and bounds over the next year or so, especially once you settle in NZ more.
Jan 23rd 2004, 4:20 am
#7
Banned
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,613
Originally posted by DianeOZ
Good News Don - hope the little chimp goes from strength to strength.
DI
Good News Don - hope the little chimp goes from strength to strength.
DI
Jan 23rd 2004, 5:29 pm
#8
Inverted Firkin Inventor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 757
Originally posted by pleasancefamily
Thanks. Slight problem is there will be more change in his life as we're spending the Euro summer in Europe for various reasons, we'll have to carry on with the speech therapy over there.
Thanks. Slight problem is there will be more change in his life as we're spending the Euro summer in Europe for various reasons, we'll have to carry on with the speech therapy over there.
Good to hear about little Don, you and Mrs Don must be very relieved. I remeber when we were told that our daughter probably had a hole in her heart and it took them 1-2 months to get the scan appointment. It turned out completely clear, I felt as if I had been holding my breath all that time!
Speech therapy should be interesting with all the different accents he will be hearing. I only mention this cause my step-mother is an Educational Psychologist (specialising in Autism & Asbergers) and she commented on this when I arranged for her to visit our kids school. She sat in on a kid having 1 to 1 reading tuition and she commented that she would not be very good at this in NZ as she would teach them to say the vowels all differently!
Paula
Jan 23rd 2004, 5:45 pm
#9
Kiwified member
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: New Plymouth, NZ
Posts: 1,647
OH BRIILLIANT!!
I have been thinking about your chimp all day, Don, and wondering how soon it would be before you knew anything. - I am really chuffed for you - all this mild spectrum thing - just labels - there is nowt wrong with him - he his just taking his time that's all.
You wait - our nephew had three sessions with the speech therapist and now he is a right pain in the butt - chatting at you and asking questions!!
Well done little chimp - get Dad to give you extra choccy from me!
I have been thinking about your chimp all day, Don, and wondering how soon it would be before you knew anything. - I am really chuffed for you - all this mild spectrum thing - just labels - there is nowt wrong with him - he his just taking his time that's all.
You wait - our nephew had three sessions with the speech therapist and now he is a right pain in the butt - chatting at you and asking questions!!
Well done little chimp - get Dad to give you extra choccy from me!
Jan 23rd 2004, 6:23 pm
#10
Up The Arse!!
Joined: May 2003
Location: Maslins
Posts: 3,425
Re: O/T Chimp #1 update (autism assessment)
Originally posted by pleasancefamily
Well, the assessment happened and it ain't all bad.
Chimp probably needs speech therapy. However, he positively does not figure anywhere on the severe end of the autism spectrum. If anything, probably what he might show is very slight behavioural/ relationship issues that spin off from the slow development of his speech, not from autism. Not even certain he has any behavioural/ relationship issues anyway - nothing obvious now and would need further assessment.
So what didn't turn out as a significant question mark to pursue now was: does he seem to show signs of mild autism? At this stage, he can be assessed further but there are no positive indicators of autism.
The only definite is, he is a bit slow in his language development (which may not be so surprising with parents of different mother-tongues).
The doctor said that if there does turn out to be very mild autism, it may be quite impossible to diagnose it before he is about 8-9 years old (though at a few years younger would be more normal).
And he fully expects littl'un to speak perfectly normally in a short while (maybe before he's four) - ie there's not too much chance at all that he'll be one of the more seriously affected sufferers on the autism spectrum who never develop speech.
Quite a relief for us.
Well, the assessment happened and it ain't all bad.
Chimp probably needs speech therapy. However, he positively does not figure anywhere on the severe end of the autism spectrum. If anything, probably what he might show is very slight behavioural/ relationship issues that spin off from the slow development of his speech, not from autism. Not even certain he has any behavioural/ relationship issues anyway - nothing obvious now and would need further assessment.
So what didn't turn out as a significant question mark to pursue now was: does he seem to show signs of mild autism? At this stage, he can be assessed further but there are no positive indicators of autism.
The only definite is, he is a bit slow in his language development (which may not be so surprising with parents of different mother-tongues).
The doctor said that if there does turn out to be very mild autism, it may be quite impossible to diagnose it before he is about 8-9 years old (though at a few years younger would be more normal).
And he fully expects littl'un to speak perfectly normally in a short while (maybe before he's four) - ie there's not too much chance at all that he'll be one of the more seriously affected sufferers on the autism spectrum who never develop speech.
Quite a relief for us.
Jan 23rd 2004, 10:38 pm
#11
Here in Dunedin
Joined: May 2003
Location: Dunedin
Posts: 1,975
Don,
Glad to hear things are better than you feared.
Hoping to invite you and the troupe around here soon, just need to knock off a few urgent jobs first.
Regards,
B
Glad to hear things are better than you feared.
Hoping to invite you and the troupe around here soon, just need to knock off a few urgent jobs first.
Regards,
B
Jan 24th 2004, 1:17 am
#12
Banned
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,613
Originally posted by southerner
Don,
Glad to hear things are better than you feared.
Hoping to invite you and the troupe around here soon, just need to knock off a few urgent jobs first.
Regards,
B
Don,
Glad to hear things are better than you feared.
Hoping to invite you and the troupe around here soon, just need to knock off a few urgent jobs first.
Regards,
B
Can't wait to see the new place, Southerner, plus don't let's forget choco-visit for the women and penguin trail for all. (Going after them YEPs this evening as well!)
BTW, we are heading back to Europe a bit earlier (a few weeks from now), hoping to get 3 weeks in Phuket on the way if Asian bird flu allows (it would happen to get on the news about 5 minutes after I had triuphantly announced my cheapo tickets Singapore-Phuket return, wouldn't it?!! Typical, but chimp news outweighed all that.)
Jan 24th 2004, 1:21 am
#13
Banned
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,613
Just checked the UK travel advisory and we should be OK: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?...=1013618386505
HEALTH
Epidemics of avian influenza (bird flu) have been reported in poultry flocks in parts of Asia. Some human cases have been confirmed. For further information, please check the World Health Organization (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/ and the Department of Health?fs website at http://www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/
The Thai authorities have confirmed an outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) in Thailand, and that some humans have been affected. Travellers to Thailand are not likely to be affected, but should avoid bird markets, farms and places where they may come into contact with live poultry. For further information, please check the WHO website and the Department of Health website at the addresses above.
HEALTH
Epidemics of avian influenza (bird flu) have been reported in poultry flocks in parts of Asia. Some human cases have been confirmed. For further information, please check the World Health Organization (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/ and the Department of Health?fs website at http://www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/
The Thai authorities have confirmed an outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) in Thailand, and that some humans have been affected. Travellers to Thailand are not likely to be affected, but should avoid bird markets, farms and places where they may come into contact with live poultry. For further information, please check the WHO website and the Department of Health website at the addresses above.
Jan 24th 2004, 6:48 am
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2003
Location: Taranaki
Posts: 155
Hi Don,
so glad it went well, must be a huge relief. My friends daughter went to speech therapy and within a few months her speech was good enough for them to move to Spain and within a few weeks there she was translating spanish for her Mum!
so glad it went well, must be a huge relief. My friends daughter went to speech therapy and within a few months her speech was good enough for them to move to Spain and within a few weeks there she was translating spanish for her Mum!
Jan 24th 2004, 7:53 pm
#15
Loving it in Bundy
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Bundaberg, Australia
Posts: 1,775
Hi
Glad to hear your good news. Speech and language referals in our school usually take anything up to 6 months so being seen in a few weeks will be great. When you are there ask for speech sheets. We are provided them as teachers for use with kids so no reason as a parent why you shouldn't have access to them, too. If you have any probs let me know what area of speech they are going to focus on and I will see if we have any sheets/info at school to scan then e-mail to you. Best of luck.
Sarah
Glad to hear your good news. Speech and language referals in our school usually take anything up to 6 months so being seen in a few weeks will be great. When you are there ask for speech sheets. We are provided them as teachers for use with kids so no reason as a parent why you shouldn't have access to them, too. If you have any probs let me know what area of speech they are going to focus on and I will see if we have any sheets/info at school to scan then e-mail to you. Best of luck.
Sarah