Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!3614!106!Shelley.Finley From: Shelley.Finley@f106.n3614.z1.fidonet.org (Shelley Finley) Newsgroups: misc.handicap Subject: Re: Great kid! Message-ID: <12121@bunker.UUCP> Date: 31 May 90 18:21:41 GMT Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP Reply-To: Shelley.Finley@f106.n3614.z1.fidonet.org Distribution: misc Organization: FidoNet node 1:3614/106 - Crystal Palace, Jacksonville NC Lines: 33 Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP Index Number: 8553 Well, my 13 year old is "normal", if a teenager can be called normal. My 8 year old has tuberous sclerosis, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and sleep apnea requiring oxygen at night. She is mainstreamed with the exception of math classes, which she has been placed in an enrichment program, because of strong talents in that area. She was receiving physical therapy through the school system, but they say she can no longer benefit from it, because she can't progress more than she has. All gross motor skills are a challange for her. One of my biggest problems is keeping her in shoes. She has an unusual gait, and drags her toes when she walks, so of course shreds shoes in a matter of weeks. Although we were told she does not have enough balance to do so, she has learned to ride a bike. Granted, not with the expertise of other kids her age, but SHE DID IT! Yes, I'm proud of her. She also has behavior problems, I think due to the stresses of her limitations. Sometimes, she just loses it. My friends come over, and see me rocking this 85 pound child in my lap, but it helps her, so what the heck? My 5 year old also has tuberous sclerosis, and epilepsy. She has lesions on in her heart from the TS, but seizure control is excellent, and there is hope of getting her off the anticonvulsants. She is also of above average intelligence, and in a regular classroom. Talk about condensing things, I tried to make this as short as I could. Thanks for your message! Shelley -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!3614!106!Shelley.Finley Internet: Shelley.Finley@f106.n3614.z1.fidonet.org