Comments on: Thoughts While Watching Charlie at the Dentist http://www.blisstree.com/articles/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/ Family, Health, Home and Lifestyles Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:01:45 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Kristina Chew, PhD http://www.blisstree.com/articles/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/comment-page-1/#comment-564539 Kristina Chew, PhD Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:41:30 +0000 http://www.autismvox.com/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/#comment-564539 noted........ noted……..

]]> By: Regan http://www.blisstree.com/articles/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/comment-page-1/#comment-564538 Regan Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:37:36 +0000 http://www.autismvox.com/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/#comment-564538 Just wanted to post an event happening in your neck of the woods, <a href="http://www.eden2.org/Lib/Aging_with_Autism_conference_2008.pdf">"Aging with Autism: Preparing for and facing various transitions through adulthood"</a> December 11-12, 2008 Melville, NY Some of this may be specific to NY, but there is other information of a more generic nature. Just wanted to post an event happening in your neck of the woods,
“Aging with Autism: Preparing for and facing various transitions through adulthood”
December 11-12, 2008
Melville, NY
Some of this may be specific to NY, but there is other information of a more generic nature.

]]> By: Storkdok http://www.blisstree.com/articles/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/comment-page-1/#comment-564301 Storkdok Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:32:08 +0000 http://www.autismvox.com/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/#comment-564301 TomsMom, I let my boys watch me have a blood draw, so they knew what would happen. We have several toy medical kits, and we pretend to draw blood and give shots and take x-rays, and since I know the procedures, I can describe how they happen and what they will see before going in. I know it is different because the hospital is my "second home", but I think specifically going through it step by step, letting them see me have it done, and showing them the place they get blood drawn well before they have it done helps them process it and ask questions. We have been practicing the flu vaccine for a few weeks (I have had more than 50 flu vaccines! lol), and yesterday, my oldest was really anxious, but because I had prepped him and he had practiced giving me (and my dh) vaccinations at home, he got through it. Afterwards, he said it didn't hurt at all! If you would like a specific list step by step, I would be happy to write one up for you. Oh, and definitely get the Emla cream (numbing med) prescribed by your doctor for both his arms and put it on according to the directions at least 30 minutes before the draw, it really helps! And I pick the least busy times to go, you can ask them when that is. I know every kid is different. This is what has helped my son and several other kids I know around where I live. Good luck! TomsMom,

I let my boys watch me have a blood draw, so they knew what would happen. We have several toy medical kits, and we pretend to draw blood and give shots and take x-rays, and since I know the procedures, I can describe how they happen and what they will see before going in. I know it is different because the hospital is my “second home”, but I think specifically going through it step by step, letting them see me have it done, and showing them the place they get blood drawn well before they have it done helps them process it and ask questions.

We have been practicing the flu vaccine for a few weeks (I have had more than 50 flu vaccines! lol), and yesterday, my oldest was really anxious, but because I had prepped him and he had practiced giving me (and my dh) vaccinations at home, he got through it. Afterwards, he said it didn’t hurt at all!

If you would like a specific list step by step, I would be happy to write one up for you. Oh, and definitely get the Emla cream (numbing med) prescribed by your doctor for both his arms and put it on according to the directions at least 30 minutes before the draw, it really helps! And I pick the least busy times to go, you can ask them when that is.

I know every kid is different. This is what has helped my son and several other kids I know around where I live.

Good luck!

]]> By: TomsMom http://www.blisstree.com/articles/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/comment-page-1/#comment-564183 TomsMom Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:42:21 +0000 http://www.autismvox.com/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/#comment-564183 Kristina, thanks. The "practice" sessions sound like a good idea . . . I'll let you know how it goes, and hope for an inspiring idea like "astronaut" breathing, and an inspired technician too! Kristina, thanks. The “practice” sessions sound like a good idea . . . I’ll let you know how it goes, and hope for an inspiring idea like “astronaut” breathing, and an inspired technician too!

]]> By: Kristina Chew, PhD http://www.blisstree.com/articles/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/comment-page-1/#comment-564012 Kristina Chew, PhD Thu, 30 Oct 2008 04:11:02 +0000 http://www.autismvox.com/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/#comment-564012 Yes, a most sweet milestone! We practiced and practiced for Charlie to keep his mouth open. Maybe you could do something like that (if you aren't already!) for getting a blood test. Perhaps work on Tommy holding out his arm first, and then holding it still, and then holding it for longer periods of time? And so forth in small steps......Sounds like he has some dentist! Yes, a most sweet milestone!

We practiced and practiced for Charlie to keep his mouth open. Maybe you could do something like that (if you aren’t already!) for getting a blood test. Perhaps work on Tommy holding out his arm first, and then holding it still, and then holding it for longer periods of time? And so forth in small steps……Sounds like he has some dentist!

]]> By: TomsMom http://www.blisstree.com/articles/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/comment-page-1/#comment-559195 TomsMom Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:43:26 +0000 http://www.autismvox.com/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/#comment-559195 Good for Charlie, and good for you, too, Kristina. Isn't it just the sweetest victory to make another milestone? In my generous mood tonight I will say that I hope what the parents who speak of their children not being a "burden" to/on society are simply fearful that society will continue to neglect our children and cause them harm and pain. In an ungenerous mood I'd say they were simply letting a messed up society define their children for them. Now, if anybody out there has suggestions on how to prep Tommy for a blood test I'd really welcome it . . . He'll be 7 in January and a year overdue, it's our last hurdle as he's fallen in love with his (lady) dentist. Her patient, light, and calm demeanor, a few warmup visits "just counting," and finally the introduction of "astronaut" breathing (nitrous oxide) make me wish SHE could take his blood . . . Good for Charlie, and good for you, too, Kristina.
Isn’t it just the sweetest victory to make another milestone? In my generous mood tonight I will say that I hope what the parents who speak of their children not being a “burden” to/on society are simply fearful that society will continue to neglect our children and cause them harm and pain. In an ungenerous mood I’d say they were simply letting a messed up society define their children for them.

Now, if anybody out there has suggestions on how to prep Tommy for a blood test I’d really welcome it . . . He’ll be 7 in January and a year overdue, it’s our last hurdle as he’s fallen in love with his (lady) dentist. Her patient, light, and calm demeanor, a few warmup visits “just counting,” and finally the introduction of “astronaut” breathing (nitrous oxide) make me wish SHE could take his blood . . .

]]> By: Marla http://www.blisstree.com/articles/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/comment-page-1/#comment-563414 Marla Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:00:16 +0000 http://www.autismvox.com/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/#comment-563414 Charlie and m are definately not burdens. Not at all. Funny how memories can overwhelm us at times. They just come flooding back. M and C are growing so fast! Some days I want it to slow down. With just the one kiddo I want to soak it all in. Charlie and m are definately not burdens. Not at all.

Funny how memories can overwhelm us at times. They just come flooding back. M and C are growing so fast! Some days I want it to slow down. With just the one kiddo I want to soak it all in.

]]> By: Storkdok http://www.blisstree.com/articles/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/comment-page-1/#comment-563366 Storkdok Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:52:26 +0000 http://www.autismvox.com/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/#comment-563366 Yeah Charlie! Great job at the dentist's office! Don't you love and appreciate these "little" things? They are really big accomplishments, and I revel in them! I wish we could erase the word "burden", I am so tired of hearing negative words like this. I was reading Prometheus' recent blog Advocatus Autismus Diaboli: Advocacy from Hell. This word belongs in his "Autism-Angst Advocacy" category. By the way, he asks "BTW - if anybody who speaks (or at least reads) latin can tell me the proper way to say “the Devil’s autism advocate”, please let me know. I’m pretty sure that what I’ve got as a title is NOT proper latin." Can you take a stab at it, Kristina? Yeah Charlie! Great job at the dentist’s office! Don’t you love and appreciate these “little” things? They are really big accomplishments, and I revel in them!

I wish we could erase the word “burden”, I am so tired of hearing negative words like this. I was reading Prometheus’ recent blog Advocatus Autismus Diaboli: Advocacy from Hell. This word belongs in his “Autism-Angst Advocacy” category.

By the way, he asks “BTW – if anybody who speaks (or at least reads) latin can tell me the proper way to say “the Devil’s autism advocate”, please let me know. I’m pretty sure that what I’ve got as a title is NOT proper latin.” Can you take a stab at it, Kristina?

]]> By: bonnie http://www.blisstree.com/articles/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/comment-page-1/#comment-563339 bonnie Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:51:10 +0000 http://www.autismvox.com/thoughts-while-watching-charlie-at-the-dentist/#comment-563339 Truly, small triumphs such as Charlie's dentist visit, and what many of us experience as better experiences as our children get older, really are causes to make us believe our children have potential to make it through life. Just the other day on the way to school, Casey seemed off, and I kept inquiring if he was sick. He finally said "I'm fine MOM!" in a rather cynical way. Most parents would have been offended, but I was almost exuberant. He was putting me off, and appropriately. It was really grown up in my view. Every little thing gives me hope! Gosh I hate that word "burden". Sorry, but I know a lot of "typical" people in my life that seem much more of a burden than Casey could ever be! Great post! Way to go Charlie! Truly, small triumphs such as Charlie’s dentist visit, and what many of us experience as better experiences as our children get older, really are causes to make us believe our children have potential to make it through life. Just the other day on the way to school, Casey seemed off, and I kept inquiring if he was sick. He finally said “I’m fine MOM!” in a rather cynical way. Most parents would have been offended, but I was almost exuberant. He was putting me off, and appropriately. It was really grown up in my view. Every little thing gives me hope!
Gosh I hate that word “burden”. Sorry, but I know a lot of “typical” people in my life that seem much more of a burden than Casey could ever be!
Great post! Way to go Charlie!

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