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BluBerryMuffin
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A lesson for future mommies (NTTPR)
BluBerryMuffin
member
My son was just diagnosed as having autism spectrum disorder. I am devastated. He is the most perfect little boy you could ever know. I always knew he was a little behind developmentally, but every time I brought it up to his pedi, he would brush it off and say he was fine. We just switched pedis and at his first appointment she referred him to a specialist (early intervention). He's going to be getting occupational and speech therapy and going to an integrated pre-school program. Please promise me that when you have your babies, you will follow your instinct. If I had done that, we wouldn't have wasted so much valuable intervention time.
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Re: A lesson for future mommies (NTTPR)
I am so sorry to hear that there was so much wasted time. There is a lot of info out there. www.mommywantsvodka.com had a son with autism, and she has resources on her blog and on www.bandbacktogether.com
My mom is a preschool special needs preschool director and has worked with many kids with autism, and there are many wonderful and compassionate interventionists and teachers out there. I hope you find a great one to help your son.
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I'm so sorry hon, It WILL be okay though. If you have any questions feel free to PM me. A really close friend of mine just got a very similar diagnosis for her son 6 months ago.
Before the pre-school, and speech therapy. He couldn't string 2 words together at 3 years old. Now he is speaking full sentences.
Did they give you certain diet restrictions for your son?
My friend was advised to remove all gluten from her sons diet to help with his "impulse control disorder"
My friends son also goes to the pre-school program, probably very similar to the one your son will go to.
I am so so sorry, Its going to be okay though. ((hugs))
I would suggest joining a support group with other parents going through similar situations. My friend has found is so helpful to know she isn't alone.
I've been working with kiddos with ASD for 8 years now and I'm always surprised to hear that doctors are still brushing off parents concern. I'm happy to hear you switched pedi's and got some feedback.
The good news is there are a lot of people working on helping kiddos with ASD. My one piece of advice: every child is different, so be suspicious of anyone who tells you that their intervention works for all kids with ASD. The only exception might be applied behavior analysis (ABA), but even your ABA provider (should you get one) should tailor services precisely for your son and your family's needs.
Best of luck to you!
Oh I am so sorry to hear this! He is still young though so I hope he can get some help soon.
I have heard good things about Jenny Macarthy's book about her son with Autism (I'm sorry I can't think of the name).
I'm glad that you found a pediatrician who was proactive about this, and that you will be getting services for him early. I imagine it can't be easy news to receive, but there is a ton of awareness and support out there now.
I have taught K, second, and now first grade and have had quite a few children in my classes who were or have since been diagnosed as having PDD or ASD. All children, including those diagnosed with these disorders, have their own special strengths and challenges, but can be highly successful and flourish. Be an advocate for your son - you know him best. Learn all you can about the disorder, but value your son's uniqueness. He can and will flourish with the right support and accommodations!
I'm glad you and your new pedi "caught" this early. He is still perfect! Good luck to him and your family!
Thank you so much for the support. This all just happened today, I haven't really had a chance to digest everything. I have heard about the gluten restriction, I will bring it up when we meet his therapist tomorrow.
((hugs)) Its a hard pill to swallow. I remember when my friend K found out, it was more of a relief. Because, like you, she knew something wasn't 100% with her little boy. There is so much hope though catching it early on. If you have any questions that I could pass on to my friend and get back to you, always feel free to contact me. K is really working on getting the word out to trust your gut. Her pedi kept blowing her off too, I wish there were more pro-active pediatricians.
The Special needs board is very supportive. I went there and asked for help when K told me about her son. I didn't want to offend or add to her hurt.
Your son looks like a wonderful little boy, he looks like he has the sweetest personality. This will be tough, it will take work, but I truly believe some of the most special children have autism. ((hugs))
Hi there,
I am just a lurker but I had to respond to your post.
I work with children with exceptionalities and have spent a great deal of time working with children with autism. I have seen the amazing improvements these children have made. I want to reassure you that you have made all the right steps in getting support for your son. Early intervention is key. The professionals that will support your son will be an amazing team - trust what they say but always remember that you are his greatest advocate. Speak up and fight for support services whenever possible.
I can only imagine what a shocking and overwhelming time this is for your family. Stay focused on your son and his needs and take care of yourself. You have made wonderful steps for his future. Good Luck.
So sorry to hear about your news. I am a speech language therapist and I have also worked with many children with autism. I also agree you are doing all the right things, and you did catch it relatively early. Also remember all children with autism are different, so go with what works best for your son.
And on the Jenny McCarthy issue, I'm not a huge fan of hers because she says that there is a "cure" for autism, and I think that is confusing to parents. Autism can be managed, and skills improved, and talents shown and built upon, but someone with autism will always experience things differently.
Also, Temple Grandin is great movie about a real life woman with autism who is very successful in her career and life. Good luck, and also feel free to PM me if you need any speech-language or school services related help!
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