hello

By asempek on Sun, 01-15-12, 20:10

Posted in Group:

Autism

Hi, I'm new to the group. My son is 22 months old and just got diagnosed with autism. I don't know how to feel about it, I'm upset, and people keep telling me that I should feel at least happy he doesn't have a fatal disease. But I am still distraught about him having autism. I don't know what to do. Like I said I'm new to this, does anyone have any inspiration or ideas that have worked with their children. I'm all ears, and quite alone on this so I will take all and any advice!

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By mrsrjg on Sun, 01-15-12, 23:10

Hi, I'm a mom to a 5 year old boy who was diagnosed before 2 years old with autism. I'm not sure where on the spectrum you son is but my son is actually pretty severe. However, when he was your son's age we immediately started with occupational, speech and physical therapy through our state's early intervention program. This was all free until he turned 3 years of age. The therapy helped him dramatically. Definitely seek out any possible services you have at your disposal that your son may need.

At three years of age the local school district took over for services and since he has been in a self-contained (a class in which most or all students are at similar levels of development) classroom and receives both occupational and speech therapy several times per week. At 5 years old he is still nonverbal, albeit my son does say a few words and he is still in diapers but can self feed and aid in clean-up and the like.

It may not feel like it but you've already made the first step into doing what is best for your son, you got him diagnosed. Definitely know that this journey is not an easy one and there will be many trials along the way but know that you are your son's best advocate. Please, don't hesitate to reach out to others in your community for help and a shoulder to cry on if needed. Know that you can make it through and actually enjoy all the fun that I'm sure your child is and will be. Wishing you the best on this maze that is autism.

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
--Gandhi

The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance.
--Benjamin Franklin

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By JaneBeck on Mon, 01-30-12, 11:55

Hi Asempek, please know that you're not alone! My daughter is 4 and was just diagnosed last year with autism. As a single mother, it's even more difficult to deal with the effects of her autism, and also in relation to my other children. Support groups are a great outlet for advice, so it's a great thing you're here! I also read as much as I can about ways to get through autism, like at http://onlineceucredit.com/edu/social-work-ceus-fl. We're all here for you! Hang in there.

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By ConnorsMommy on Sat, 03-24-12, 22:21

Hi my son is 20 months old and just for evaluated. Awaiting diagnosis but pretty sure it's some form of autism. I am also very scared. Wondering if my baby will ever talk or be normal at all. Let me know if you ever want to talk!

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