0My son may have autism and I don't know what to do now that I am pregnant again. Advice?

Sonya - posted on 06/07/2012

Thanks, I am pretty nervous. I went to an indoor park the other day and he was not interested in being careful around the little ones and I had to apologise to the moms often. I also am worried on how it's going to affect this behaviour, he's already very temperamental and gets stressed out easily. But things are going well sofar hopefully it won't be too much of a struggle.

I have heard him talk about babies and pointing at other little boys and girls calling them babies. So I've been telling him there's a baby in mom's tummy but I feel like he's just not receptive to what I am saying.

He's very routine oriented and I know this is going to mess him and me up. only 110 days to go :S

Laura - posted on 06/07/2012

hi! i Work with children with autism, and it ll varies from different children. For example, one of the kids I work with needs to know what to expect every day and is accustomed to routine. One of the things I suggest is although he may not know a lot of words, read to him about babies and even start mentioning that baby is coming. The one that I work with wasn't expected to talk at all, but now he is a chatterbox! it all depends on how parents work with him. I give u so much props that you are already looking at all your resources! keep us updated!

Dorothy - posted on 06/03/2012

My autistic son was three when his younger brother was born (and at the time he wasn't diagnosed yet). It was the best thing that could have happened for my family. Prepare and discuss with your son that a baby is coming. As time gets closer, let him know what the delivery will be like. Example: Who will take care of him? For how long? Will he get to come visit? My two boys are very close and love each other deeply. I never planned on three but I am so thankful to have three now. My autistic son loves having a younger brother. They are very close even though now they are 11 and 14, and the 11 year old is more advanced. He knows his older brother has autism and is very compassionate towards him.Don't worry, it will al work out. Just keep the doors of communication open, try to prepare and teach compassion.

Sonya - posted on 05/25/2012

hey,

Thank you for sharing your story with me. I am a young Mom, so I don't have allot of people in my life who know how I feel. I have been youtubing and researching and talking to some social workers though. They suggested that I get a toy doll and put in in all the new baby's things.Things Such as the carseat, highchair, swing and crib special blankets and stuff so he has an idea that it belongs to the doll. Maybe when the new one comes he won't feel possessive over the things he/she will use. Also, practising gentle touches and kisses and give him lots of praise for all the nice things he does. We have a hand puppet and we play with that now and again but he does things like hit or shake then the puppet goes away and we don't play again till he can be nice.

Also looking into getting him into subsidised preschool for speech and developmental therapy. Only 1/2 days where he can hang with other kids. Maybe look into getting your son into that so it's not so overwhelming for you!!

Hoping the best for the future, still awaiting diagnosis for my son. I added you in my circle so we can update eachother :) Congratulations btw

Alisha - posted on 05/23/2012

Oh my.....I am in your shoes. My son is 2.5 and he has no words and show signs of autism. We are going next week to see the specialist so they can evaluate him and then I will truly know. He is in speech and OT but little progression. Anyways I also just found out I am going to have baby #2 and I am scared to death b/c I am stressed with one. Please keep in touch we can vent together. I really have no advice,,,,I am like you searching for it as well. I do know my son does not understand babies at all or very well. I watched my 3mo old nephew and he threw his sippy right at the head. thankfully noone was hurt but scared me. So I do worry what will happen and I hope by the time jan24th which is my due date comes around he will start to understand. I am worried I won't be able to spend enough time with my son who I know needs me but I know the baby will need me too and I am not sure how it will all work but I am hoping God gives me strength b/c I am going to need it!!!