Eeg

[Frankenoid]

This seems like a widely varied group, so perhaps one of has had an EEG, or has accompanied a child who has had one?

My youngest son (not-quite-6) has recently been diagnosed with PDD/Asperger's Syndrome (an autistic disorder -- very mild in my son). He may also be having petit mal seizures, but we need to have an EEG done to find out for sure. It's scheduled for next week.

So, is there anyone who can give me the layman's eye-view on this process? I have to have him sleep deprived the night before, so he will fall into a natural sleep during the procedure. Other than that, I don't know what to expect. I want to have Ian as prepared as possible for what's going to happen. As he will be tired, and in a strange situation, it will be set-up city for a major episode of meltdown/tantrum. The more I can prepare him, the smoother it's likely to go.

Thanks.

[Sci-Fi]

Would this link help any??

EEG Biofeedback

[Rick in PA]

Sorry, I can't answer your question. But I'll offer my best wishes for dealing with an over-tired six year old. Hope the day goes as well as it can.

[Cranberry Dan]

I had one during college as part of an investigation into the cause of some of the symptoms that were associated with my migraines. I don't know how the process may differ between adult and child but here is my recollection of what went on.

Basically, an EEG is similar to an ECG/EKG except that the ECG is used to monitor/record the electrical activity of the heart and the EEG is used to monitor/record the electrical activity of the brain.

Just as electrodes are placed on the chest for an ECG, electrodes are placed on the head for an EEG. In the case of a child, they may use a cap or net type structure. In my case, the electrodes were placed individually. I don't remember them shaving off any of my hair. Your child will not feel anything during the process.

Hope this helps!

[Cranberry Dan]

For more information about functional Asperger's, you may be interested in books by Temple Grandin. She is a college professor in Colorado who also has Aspergers and is able to, in my opinion, describe for others what her life is like as someone with that condition. She was one of the subjects of Oliver Sack's book, An Anthropologist on Mars (he also wrote Awakenings which was made in to the movie by the same name with Robin Williams).

One book by Temple

[Frankenoid]

Originally posted by CranberryDan
For more information about functional Asperger's, you may be interested in books by Temple Grandin.
One book by Temple

I've read several articles/interviews about and with and by Ms. Grandin. I live in Colorado, and she's well known here. In the process of getting Ian's diagnosis, done a lot to educate myself about the various autism spectrum disorders. Additionally, my older son's best friend has Asperger's -- his mother was so very grateful when she met us because we knew what Asperger's was, and she didn't have to explain Michael's oddities to us!

[Cranberry Dan]

I only tumbled in to Grandin's stuff because I am a big fan of Oliver Sack's work. Fascinating reading but I am sure it is a lot harder when you are on the front lines, living it, than just being a spectator.

I hope everything goes well!

[MsBoop]

Originally posted by Frankenoid


we knew what Asperger's was, and she didn't have to explain Michael's oddities to us!

My step-son( we have full custody of him) has Asperger's. He is now 21 years old. An early diagnosis is the key in getting all the assistance your son needs. My step-sons' teachers have been wonderful. He is graduating high school this year. We kept him in school an extra 2 years because the school has great programs for him.

[Frankenoid]

Originally posted by MsBoop


My step-son( we have full custody of him) has Asperger's. He is now 21 years old. An early diagnosis is the key in getting all the assistance your son needs. My step-sons' teachers have been wonderful. He is graduating high school this year. We kept him in school an extra 2 years because the school has great programs for him.

We got very lucky with Ian's kindergarten teacher -- a wonderful, experienced teacher who takes it all in stride. At our parent/teacher conference, she told us Ian was less trouble than most of the other boys, despite his difficulties in transitioning from one activity to another -- Ian is polite and he doesn't hit other kids.

Ian barely fits the criteria for Asperger's -- he doesn't have the same degree of obsessiveness with a single topic as the typical Aspie kid. On a one to five scale, Ian rates a 1.5 on most of the Asperger's/autism criteria. Then again, that may because he's been receiving special help from such a young age, even if we didn't have a label put on him yet.