pdd

my son was late in being diagnosed with pdd.  he always had ei, adhd/add   while in school i always had him tested for the psyc evaluation every three yeawrs but i lwater found out that it is just an educational assessment.  he ws getting ssi until this past july at the age of 24  they still had him under a child.  we had to reapply as an adult.  when i was in labor with him the heart rate went to  0 then would come back up.  after he was born he had a hematobia on the outside of his skull.  after which at the age of 4 months he got aseptic viral mennigetis.  he saw the neurlogist and he said he also had cp.  he ws in therapy since he was 6 months old as far as pt/ot.  they told me he would never walk but he finawlly did at the age of two and a half.  he takes many meds (when he will that is)  i'm trying to get him into a group home as i can't deal with this any more.  does that sound bad.  he talks ALL the time and he rocks his head back and forth also. am i missing something or what?  any ideas?   really looking for some help.  thank you, kim

[Rachel Thompson, Ph.D., BCBA]

I understand that considering residential placement for your child is a very tough decision, but you should not feel guilty about decisions that you make in the best interest of your child. In many geographical areas there good group home options. In the best programs, the individuals served (and their families) benefit from access to appropriate programming implemented by well trained staff. These programs provide opportunities for the development of skills required for more independence (e.g., vocational skills, community skills, self care skills) as well as opportunities for peer interaction and appropriate leisure activities. Many parents find relief in handing these tasks over to trained professionals. This sometimes allows parents to simply enjoy the time they spend with their children.

[Sally44]

For a child that is severely affected it is difficult because you are a carer 24/7.  Over the years that really takes it toll on your physical and mental health.
Have you ever had respite care?
If he is capable of moving into group home then that can be something positive, as he will need to be prepared in a place for when you are not around any longer.
I have an older sister who has learning difficulties.  She doesn't sound as severe as your son.  She works in a special factory for disabled people.  She moved into a warden controlled housing association when she was in her late forties.  She is doing okay there.  Both my parents and my sister needed this to happen as they were unhappy living together.  Sometimes there can be very different personalities.  For example my mother is obsessed with cleaning.  My sister could not care less about that side of things.  The continual fights and arguments about that one subject were draining.
Regarding his behaviours, have you looked at Sensory Integration Disorder?  If any of his senses are over or under sensitive that can sometimes account for alot of autistic behaviour.  Google the name Olga Bogdashina and read an article by her printed in Autism Today.  If that sounds like your son then you can find a book by her called Sensory and Perceptual Differences in Autism and Aspergers.  That might give you an insight into what his sensory perception is and therefore where his behaviours are coming from and what you can do to reduce them.
Regarding talking all the time.  Is he repeating things he has seen on TV or films, or things that have been said to him?  Or is he trying to talk to you about his interests all the time?

[kjsmiles1975]

thank you for the info.
when talking all the time he will repeat thimself at least three times in whatever he is talking about.  yes am trying to get his ssi back so that he can get into a group home.  i have contacted our state reps and have heard back from one.  we have filled out the paper work for him to help us.

[Sally44]

His repeating things could be a number of things.
He could have auditory processing or auditory memory problems.  Sometimes they use a copying skill of repeating things to remember them, or to remember where they are in the conversation.
Those with autism can sometimes have something called perseverant speech.  This is when they ask the same questions over and over regardless of the answer you have given.  This may be tied into the need for rigid routines in autism and somehow the rigid interaction of always talking about something or asking the same questions over and over seems to fulfill this need.  Google it to see if it sounds relevant.  A speech therapist or psychologist should be able to give you some advice on this.
If he is repeating things he has heard on TV or in films or things people have said to him, then this is echolalia.  Again google it to see if it sounds relevant.
Find out what your options are.  Both you and your son have rights, and there could be services and supports out there to help you and to support your son in becoming as independent as he can be.
My mother never thought my sister would live independently.  But she does and she is happy doing so.