AboutMichelle Fattig Expertise I can answer questions about educational testing, autism, Asperger's Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, Special Education, IEP, Learning Disabilities, Sensory Processing, Parent Advocacy, Response to Intervention, living and parenting with disabilities, parent rights in special education, school psychology, and more. I cannot provide a medical diagnosis.
Experience I am a school psychologist, medical technologist, author of the Annie Books series: Experience Aspeger's Syndrome and Attention Deficits Through the Eyes of a Child, RTI facilitator, ILCD facilitator, parent advocate, presenter, and researcher. My children and I have Asperger's, ADD/ADHD, and learning disabilities.
Organizations National Association of School Pyschologists, American Medical Technologists, Learning Disabilities Association of Nebraska
Education/Credentials Ed.S. in School Psychology, doctoral studies in SPED Law, SPED Systems Enhancement Leadership, and doctoral candidate Education Leadership. MT(AMT) and MLT(ASCP)
Expert: Michelle Fattig Date: 12/18/2007 Subject: My 14 year old autistic daughter
Question My autisitc child is out of control. My daughter was recently diagnosed with autism (at age 14). Her bahavior is getting worse every dsy and is tearing our family apart. The emotional stress is really taking a toll on all of us. What can i do? Can the school test her and put her in a program? Is there a school that she can go to to live at? I know this sounds harsh, but is there an agwncy that will take her? Can I put her up for adoption? Is there somewhere else that she can live if things get out of hand? I live in NY if it helps. What can I legally do? Please don't tell me atht I am being "mean". Nobody understands what our family is going through yet everyone has their opinions... if you can help me I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
Answer Is she emotionally out of control, causing the behaviors? You can ask the local school district to provide a functional behavioral assessment in order to determine what is the cause of the behavior, and how best to intervene with supports. When my children, both autistic, were having excessive emotional and behavioral outbursts, we started them on omega-3 fish oil supplements with dramatic improvement. Also, for our children, stimulant medication had dramatic effect and calmed our family environment. I would suggest talking with your doctor and the school psychologist for evaluation, support systems and recommendations for you. Joining a parent support group with other's experiencing raising children with autism can be of great help as well.
Also, I wrote Taming Tommy's Tantrum specifically for parents and teacher with children who have autism and behavioral outbursts. You can print a free click book at www.anniebooks.com (print double sided, fold, and staple)
I hope this is helpful! I know what a struggle it can be.
