They're 10 (almost 11) and 8. Older kid has ASD level 1 (mild autism) + ADHD with an IQ over 140. Younger kid has ASD level 3 (severe autism) + ADHD + dyspraxia + dyslexia + maybe OCD they're not sure yet? + other neuropsych stuff + numerous non-autism medical conditions.
8yo doesn't have an ID diagnosis at this time, but it's expected down the line.
Right now they're making progress and can complete modified schoolwork at their grade level, albeit with quite a few accommodations. As an example, they're unable to write words for the most part and they're unable to come anywhere near coherently typing words. They can, however, verbally dictate a grade-appropriate paragraph for someone else to type (if that person is familiar enough to be able to understand them & patient enough to keep them on track. Their enunciation is too poor for speech-to-text software and they go on wild tangents fairly often). This accommodation is called a scribe, and it's currently in their IEP.
There will likely come a time where accommodations won't keep up, though, and child will likely plateau in development and education. Like, I don't expect algebra class to go well. They won't be taking chemistry or physics. Second grade was fine but things just get harder from here.
Yes, younger child is the runner. It's an impulse thing, and a perseveration thing. They don't run aimlessly; they run to go looking for particular things. Let's say it's dogs. If they see a dog in the distance or hear a dog barking, due to their all-consuming obsession with dogs they will take off towards the dog and they have little control over those impulses.
My grandson will be 3 in Sept. We got his diagnosis exactly a year ago. I understand the reasoning behind "spectrum" now. As of right now, he has no sensory issues. No sounds, sights, smells, sensation, crowds, truly nothing. He plays with typical toys appropriately, and doesnt "sensory seek".
He loves on everyone and anyone, engages, makes full eye contact, and drops everything to pose if we say "cheese".
He listens well and can follow instruction, and after I fretted endlessly he took to potty training with ease.
However- he was completely non-verbal, and even though he now has a few dozen single core words he can speak, he is still considered non-verbal.
His only stims are hand flapping and jogging in place when hes super happy, and squinting his eyes (much like Abbie) when he is annoyed or bored.
But recently, he became a runner. I mean runner. I think hes bionic. I had to have new locks put on all the doors and the few windows I fear he could access as he gets bigger. We now have one of the little teddy bear/leash backpacks that we would never leave the house without. NEVER.
I raised four children, and I can honestly say that I have never felt as fearful or anxious as I was those few weeks waiting for the handyman to install those locks. I wasnt sleeping, afraid he'd sneak out in the night. (Even though my daughter moved into his room and slept directly in front of the bedroom door.) Worried when I was at work and constantly checking in. What if my daughter turned her back? Went to the restroom without him? He's that fast.
Its terrifying, and I wish I understood why they run.
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