I would love to know how things turned out with this issue as I am a murfreesboro parent of a special needs child having similar problems at the moment.

Just read ur blog and omg. This reminds me so much of my son. Yes he is autistic. At first when he had a hard time talking or when he didnt talk at all he throw a HUGE fit. To a point where dad and i would bleed because he would headbutt us on the mouth,scratch,kick, kick i spoke to his early intervention theraphist and she told me that its because he's not verbal and its hard for him to express himself. She told me to use a lot of " I want...." everytime he wants an object when he points to it but doesnt say it you have to show him. Like...."I want ball. Can you say I want ball?

I don't have a child of my own with this happy dance trait but I have a classroom of seven. They are the most miraculous children in the world. I just wanted you to know that you are very special and so are your children. Your blog has helped me to realize a loving parents point of view.

Wow! We travel with pipeline & I have been wanting to get a service dog for my son who as autism. I've done applications but couldn't afford one. Your story is my inspiration! I now have the confidence I need to get a dog & train it for my son. Thank you for all the informtion & encouragement. I also do a lot of autism awareness.

Hi :)

I agree that the ipads can really help certain children and that new apps are being created all the time!

I would always suggest that an assessment by a Speech therapist can help to determine if a child is phsyically able to access an ipad manually, or via a switch or not. If not then alternative devices can be investigated!

I also agree that some of the apps have been poorly made and badly designed! There are some good webistes out there that are blogging and reviewing communication apps for more info just google :)

When language is an issue it can be even more challenging to respond appropriately because they are attempting to grasp for words as well as the correct physical response to what they perceive as an adverse situation.
While he is learning to express himself verbally, I recommend together you chose images that can be a cue cards that help Jim to express. Such as an image that he can hold up when he is happy like a puppy playing, or an image of a door when he wants to be alone.
I would start with just a few and choose ones that have meaning for him.
I also believe in consequences, your daughter should be praise for not reacting negatively, and your son should understand there is a price to be paid even if it is a small one. You spoke of his future, he needs this lesson on order to be social.

I have been thinking along the same lines. I have a grandson, Ian, who is severely autistic, almost non-communicative, and I have been wondering how much of it he inherited from me. My autistic friend Iris Johansson describes in her book "A different childhood", which I have translated from Swedish, how she often had the information and and understood the question but lacked the impulse to speak. She couldn't connect the question with the need for her speak the answer. I have many times had the same failure to act on the information I had. I remember one instance for example when I was watching my coworker backing a truck out of the garage and hit the side of the door. Then I said "I could see that that was going to happen". "Why didn't you say something you effing idiot?" the boss hollered. I had no idea why I didn't speak out. It often seems like an effort, or some kind of portentous undertaking just to utter some words. Could this be a problem of the same type as Ian's communication difficulty?

Please don't be hard on yourself. Your son knows you love him and, in time, you will find that he will show you. It seems that the ages of 3 and 4 were the roughest, but things have started to ease up here a bit lately. Once Sir Dantes started to talk some it seems as though things have been a bit easier. Keep your chin up!

I love the "Stevie Wonder" rock! Fantastic!

I completely agree with this. I have many family members with ASD and I have noticed different "symptoms" of autism among even my college roommates. They won't be diagnosed as autistic, but one doesn't like loud noises and another doesn't like change. It makes me wonder how we can define people as normal vs. autistic because everyone is different in their own way.

So HAPPY to hear that others are feeling what I feel. Ive been at this, since my son was 15 months old; he is 4 now. I knew deep in my heart what it was and only told my own shadow my thoughts, my concerns and my fears. Where did I go wrong?, what did I do or not do during my pregnancy with him that could have caused this?, Working with kids for 10 years gives me the advantage, the expertise, the ability to compare my child to others. So I knew that something was not "right". Especially after having my daughter. She was verbal at 1 1/2 yrs old., active, above average intelligence, social, "normal".There are more days that I find myself complaining, about his behavior, the negatives. I feel many times that I have done all that specialist have asked of me and beyond, so I ask myself "Why isn't he fixed already?". I reflect at times of how fortunate I am to have children, to have 2 healthy children, to have a supportive husband, to be so fortunate to have the resources to help my son, and how far he has come. But when he has those meltdowns.... I want to cry when I cant help him overcome that moment. I feel that I am not a good enough mother because my tender touch wont even soothe him. He is in his moment (40 minutes or more) and there is nothing that I can do. It's not easy, but I am happy that he chose me to be his Mom! Children are little angels that choose their parents and together we learn from eachother.

I have read through this with interest. My son Robin was also like that - laughing at someone else's discomfort. Looks like he has grown out of it now, though, he is 24. He would really collapse with laughter! and his sister would really be upset especially if she was the one in discomfort!

I love the phrase "happy dance". My son often does the "stevie wonder" rocking back and forth dance while chanting the last thing on his mind. He is so happy when he does it and doesn't bother any of us but for some reason it often bothers me. Why? I don't know...perhaps I want him to be "normal" but I forget that this is normal for him and i just need to embrace him for who he is and what he does...Maybe even join in!! He is 6 and the funny thing is I notice some kids who come over have started doing it along with him!!

What a lovely, positive post. Thanks for sharing. Your happy made me happy!

Hi there, just wanted to say that I enjoyed reading your blog, our son Jason is 4 and has PDD-NOS and exhibits so many of the same behaviors as your son. As his Dad I find myself doing lots of deep breathing, grounding and keeping my perspective and expectations realistic as well. Thanks for the blog, it makes me feel like we're not alone on the road. Right now we're trying to see what other resources are available and that Jason qualifies to receive, besides the ones we're already getting from the county.

Cheers,
Jeff

Gosh! Thank you so much for all that you do. U have truly been a life saver for me. My son has Autism and with all the information that you provided on the website...it has helped us out so much. I cant thank you enough :) My son is in Kindergarten and at his school they actually incorporate all children in to award programing. I recently went to a VIP party with my son for participating in a SPELLATHON which was modified for children with Autism, and while a few of us parents were in a mini circle talking about award programs and children with disabilities ect..., One lady said, "I think the district feels sorry for "THOSE KIDS" that's why they allow "THEM" to participate in these things...its so sad and such a waste of time". Needless to say, I kindly asked her to explain what was so sad, and what "waste of time" meant, and she walked away from me clearly embarrassed after she seen that I had on a Autism support shirt. I havent been to any other ceremonies since because I was so hurt, and also, because I want to know the basis for them awarding my child, meaning, the scale that they award him on. I have always felt proud of my son and his accomplishments and I wanted him to recognized like all the other children, but for some reason, I just feel out of place among other parents. Thanks for listening, Great Blog :)
-Mo

hi- I have found quite a few good social stories online referring to good and bad touch as well as self touching. Boardmaker share has one on "Touching Yourself" that I am using for middle schoolers, taking out using the bathroom ...It seems our middle schoolers are not aware of the hidden rule to not handle themselves in public,{ lunchroom, gym etc} so it is an issue to be worked on for their own protection.

At the school I work at in Perth Australia, we honor these wonderful children at assemblies throughout the years. Awards are given to the special need student in each year group who has excelled and reached their academic or social goals. The Year 12 perpetual trophy has in fact been donated by the family of two beautiful students who were ex special needs students at the school, one whom passed away a few years ago. There is never a dry eye in the hall when that award is presented every year. Maybe that is something that can be started at your son's school?

It's OK to be different. Sometimes, we have our accidents, we poop ourselves! Yeah, then we end up with dirty pants. I know I've had my accidents, they're mostly stress-induced!

Awesome :)