Autism

Kendrav4

Good morning!

I was just curious if there are any momma's that have LO's with Autism? My 21 month old son is being tested for Autism and I just wanting to reach out and talk to other momma's who have been though the same thing and hear your experiences. My son has his third eval next week and we finish up at the end of August, so I guess I am just wondering how long after the last session did you get a diagnoses, and what happens from there? I don't know anyone who has kids with autism and am not ready to share with my family yet, so I guess I am just looking for some personal experiences or sharing of any resources you might have.

Thank you

Kendrav4

Kaylajade8911 said:

I don't have an autistic son, but I worked with autistic children for years before having him. I can't tell you how long diagnosis takes or the emotional side...
But if ever you have any questions regarding the autistic spectrum, please feel free to message me.
I hope you find some answers regarding the process soon through.

Thank you! I know I am putting the cart before the horse, but the waiting period is just killing me. I've done lots of research and its just overwhelming at this point

DreadGamerWife

@Kendrav4  There is also a special needs board on TB that has a good number of moms with autistic LOs - in all stages of the process (suspected, diagnosis, ongoing therapy, etc).

imagine7696030614

My son has very high functioning Asperger's which is on the autism spectrum. It was a nightmare getting a diagnosis because he was so high functioning. Looking back, I can pick up different red flags in his early childhood but no one ever brought up any concerns until Kindergarten when his teacher decided to perform an in class Asperger's test. She came to me with concerns over his behavior. It took several years, different neurologists, evaluations, and finally a 4 hour evaluation with a psych to get a 'likely case of mild Asperger's' diagnosis. I'm sure things will be easier for you (with getting a diagnosis) though because my son is 18 now and they seem to be so much more on top of things with early intervention, etc. These days. I'm not sure how long it will take but I can't imagine it would take that long. Anyway, just wanted to chime in because I know how hard it is going through this. I wouldn't change my son for the world, quirks and all, but it is tough at first reconciling the fact the your child is not "perfect". Sounds like your son has a really good mommy looking out for him! Good luck with everything!

Kendrav4

Thank you ladies. He's pedi referred us to a psychologist after his 18 month appointment due to some red flags she noticed and I have been noticing for quite some time. I have been able to tell there was something different about him since he was about 10 months old. I'm assuming we should have some answers after our last meeting in August, its just taking such an emotional toll on me waiting for answers. I cry all the time and have no one to reach out too or talk to about it that understands what I am going through.

@DreadGamerWife‌ I'll definitely be reaching out to that board. Thank you!

angeltennis3

I don't have any experience with the diagnosis process, but my brother is mildly autistic. I think the biggest thing he has taught me is patience. He's a great person, but sometimes has a hard time letting his greatness shine through some of his quirks. 

It sounds incredibly selfish...but when I was younger and didn't understand, I did struggle a lot with his autism. I didn't understand why he couldn't be like other kids and I would get very frustrated with my parents because they would invest so much time in making sure he was doing ok in school, trying to help him be successful in social situations, but I would be left alone, since I was a relatively good kid (good grades, didn't get into trouble, etc). We eventually started going to family therapy sessions because I started to act out as well, and it was so helpful. It helped me see how I could be involved in helping my brother be successful, which was self-rewarding, but also helped show my parents that just because I was doing "fine", didn't REALLY mean I was fine.

I think the other thing that made it hard on my family, is my parents didn't want us to tell anyone about my brother's diagnosis, which they thought would put a stigma on our family. The problem was, you could easily tell my brother wasn't like all of the other kids, so he was still made fun of. Even within our family, you could tell they just didn't understand why he was the way he was. Personally, I think being open and honest about the diagnosis is so much better. Not that he wants the "pity" card, but just understanding what Autism is and what it means for a family can help people support you in ways that you will never know.

Good luck! There are so many resources today that I am sure you will be able to help your son achieve all of his dreams! My brother is now a very independent person that has a really great paying job and lives across the country from me and my parents. It took a lot of hard work to get there from the entire family, but we couldn't be more proud!

megaddie

I don't have any information, but I wanted to tell you that--as a middle school teacher--I see a lot of kids on the spectrum.  The children who received early interventions do really well--public schools are so prepared for this sort of diagnosis nowadays (at least where I am).  

I just wanted to give you encouragement that you are doing the right thing and if your child does fall on the spectrum, you are doing the most awesome thing for him by giving him the tools he needs (including a strong and prepared mama) to be successful and happy!  

reneenearl

We don't have a diagnosis yet due to the long wait for a developmental pediatrician. We finally have an appointment for my 2 1/2 year old on September 29th. Not sure if we will get a diagnosis due to his age but if not we will be asked to return in one year. I just want answers. He has a lot of red flags and his pediatrician as well as his therapists think he may he may be diagnosed. He is nonverbal with global delays and many indicators if autism. Just wanted to let you know that we are going through something similar.

Kendrav4

reneenearl said:

We don't have a diagnosis yet due to the long wait for a developmental pediatrician. We finally have an appointment for my 2 1/2 year old on September 29th. Not sure if we will get a diagnosis due to his age but if not we will be asked to return in one year. I just want answers. He has a lot of red flags and his pediatrician as well as his therapists think he may he may be diagnosed. He is nonverbal with global delays and many indicators if autism. Just wanted to let you know that we are going through something similar.

Thank you, and I'm sorry your going through the same thing. The behavioral psychologist said that they can diagnose as early as 18 months, so it seems like you should be able to get some answers about your 2.5 year old LO. I know for me personally I don't really have anyone to talk to and that sucks! if you ever need to talk I'm definatly open. I dont know how to check pms from the app so you'll have to let me know if you Send one!

Good luck to you!