dr thinks autism not sure though need advice

Thomasine - posted on 03/25/2011

My so was not diagnosed until 16 years of age, I was pretty sure it was aspbergers , and was right, but the 1st doctor we took him to said no way it was aspbergrs, the best thing you can do if you are no sure is go to another doctor. You also may get on the internet...and read about autism related disorders. Hope you find out whats going on , I thought I would fall apart when we got a dignosis, but what really happed was I just gald to know what we was dealing with, My son is now 20 and in college, many times he has done things that no one thought was ever possible for him to do . the still struggles ,but he never stops trying. I hope everything gose well for you.

Melissa - posted on 03/23/2011

Go to your local library or boostore. Ask for books for newly-disagnosed autism. There are a ton. Even though she doesn't have a dx yet, it's worth the $15 to get a book, since many of them begin with suspecting your child is different. :)

Julie - posted on 03/23/2011

Hi Carla, I know how you feel, it's hard work waiting for a diagnosis. The only thing i would advise is not to build your hopes up that when you get a diagnosis it will all suddenly just click into place. In fact nothing really changes. Ok you will be able to explain some of your childs behaviour to others by telling them she has autism but unfortunately they don't give you a manual along with the diagnosis. You will still need to work out for yourself how best to cope with your child, you can get help and advice on common issues autistic kids may have but as every child is different it can be a bit hit and miss. I'm sure you already know things that work or don't work with your daughters behaviour, researching the diagnosis will help you understand some of the things that might trigger tantrums or other behavioural issues. The only other pit fall to avoid is to allow behaviour you don't like because of your daughters diagnosis. All children need boundaries and even autistic children need to know what is and isn't expectable. I wish you all the best.

Heidi - posted on 03/23/2011

If you are in the US contact your local school district. Just call the main office ask for a "Child Find Evaluation". If your child is 3 she can get free services from the school district. They are usually more knowledgable that doctors about childhood disabilitys, and you might not have to wait as long. I think their is a limit on how long they can make you wait. My son was evaluated at 11months. He offically has a significant delay in cognitive, and gross motor skills, and a delay in speech and social skills. He is getting services in our home while we wait for him to be old enough to diagnose.

Victoria - posted on 03/22/2011

The one thing I can tell you is with "our" kids patience is a nescessity. The angrier and more frustrated you get the worse they will become. Also short words and phrases are best. Like instead of saying no stop running around the house, say that's no we walk. Or get down from there right now, use feet on the floor. Also another big thing is hand over hand. When you want her to do something and she either doesn't get it or doesn't want to you phsyically put your hands over hers and show her how to do it. Hope some of this helps!