"Classic Autism"

"There is general agreement that, in its full-blown form, autism involves a triad of impairments—in social interaction, in communication and the use of language, and in limited imagination as reflected in restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviour and activities. Those who combine all three impairments to a marked degree have the classic form of autism, so named by Leo Kanner, a psychistrist at Johns Hopkins University, in 1943. But much larger numbers have some of the traits of autism."

This is what I found from the internet about classic autism. Because today Vivian told me about Darren, and that he has classic form of autism. Because some autistic kids have only one or two of impairment/s described in "classic autism", but Darren has 3 of them, which is impairment in language, social skill & limited imagination. Which, sad to say is quite right.

Till today, he has not utter a single meaningful word, he doesn't really look at strangers and sometimes doesn't even realised that someone else is in the room. But this has improved a bit, at least he will look for a while when someone enter the room, & he still plays the same toys everyday, balls, musical toys, shakers & bubbles. He does play with toy cars, ride-on car or puzzles sometimes.

His teacher from PCS JW was visiting him at Fei Yue today, because she is still very puzzled by Darren's resistance of not seating on the chair during his task at her centre. She was surprised to see that Darren can sit for a good 25 to 30 mins at Fei Yue. So Vivian was sharing with her, that Darren needs to be "cornered" when doing tasks. As in have to put him in a very small place which he can't move around, no escape route. So, he will focus and concentrate on the tasks given to him. He is also not up to the level where he could move from one point to another point just to let him see the picture cards of doing the next task. But the teacher doesn't seems to agree, she said she will do it because she has one successful case, so we have nothing to say. And Vivian was also sharing with her that Darren can't be asked to do like set of 8 tasks then given break, because he is still a very young boy and his impairments makes him even harder to focus. So, she suggested on doing 2 tasks, then break, then move on to the next 2 tasks & so on. Which I think it's quite right.

PCS is an integrated cildcare, I am hoping he can do his N1 to K2 there & be ready for his NORMAL Primary 1 when he turns 7 yo. That's my short term goal.

Vivian told me Darren has got lots of improvement. He shows more eye contacts now, more focus, able to use picture card to ask for his snacks, less temper tantrum, & better social skill (he likes his friend Jarrick, and will follow him around during OT sessions :-), this sounds like heaven to me! Papa, we should feel happy that Darren has move on to this stage, I can't imagine if I am still working and leave him with the maid, what will happen to him. SO, papa, all your hard works to earn money to feed so many of us doesn't go down the drain, Darren will be better in no time. :-) we love you