Hello, we're newbies

Terrie - posted on 03/20/2012

Well, my son is 12 now, but he was diagnosed at a very young age as well. he was 2 years of age which was very early to be diagnosed then. They are getting better with this now. If you have an Amazon Kindle or a Kindle Fire, there are some very good books on Autism in the young child for very cheap at that, but I can't think of the titles right off hand. However, the best bet for your child would be early childhood intervention and if you have something like a child study center around where you live, then that would be a good place to turn to as well. These places offer great theropy for young children before they enter school.

Candace - posted on 03/19/2012

What did the chiropractor do? This is the first that I have head of gong to a chiropractor for autism?

Gabriella - posted on 11/10/2008

Dr. Bock's book



and anything on www.tacanow.org

Jennifer - posted on 10/31/2008

Also a book that I found alot of inspiration from was.... Louder Than Words: A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism by Jenny McCarthy....about her struggle and alot of good tips and refrences

Hilary - posted on 10/31/2008

Hi Debbie,

My oldest boy was diagnosed in Febuary of this year and he was 2 coming up to 3 like you i have searched the internet and learned alot but what help me the most was the National Autistic Society's Early Bird Programme which is a 3month course only for parents to learn how to help their child through Autism and the main thing i learned was ROUTIN, ASD children need routine for everything for example getting dressed you make picture cards with every item of clothing on stick velcro on the back and then get a long strip of card and stick say 10 small pieces of velcro on the card and each morning you use it to explain which is coming next e.g. PANTS, VEST, SOCKS, T-SHIRT, TROUSERS, JUMPER, SHOES and then when you want to go out you do the same HAT, SCARVE, GLOVES, COAT. I hope this helps let me know if you need any more help and i will see what i can help you with all the best.



Love Hilary, Theo age 3 and Blake age 2 xXx

Andrea - posted on 10/31/2008

We started working with Victoria when she was diagnosed with autism and Sensory Intergration Disorder when she was two. She has has OT, Speech and ABA work every day of her life and she has improved immensely!!! The gluten free/dairy free diet is what helped her out the most!!!! It takes one week for your child to change their eating habits and then they are fine. It really does make a difference!!! Having a great husband/wife team that communicates is key to our daughter's success!!!

Christa - posted on 10/31/2008

Hi there! My son Jack, was diagnosed at 18 mons and we felt just like you! Read Jenny Mcarthy's book Louder Than Words. It's a great read. She also gives great resources in the back of the book. TRY THE DIET!!!!!!!!!!!! IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I didn't know about it for a long time and then didn't try it for a long time....mistake! Jack is now four and is doing so awsome! Get thearpy and get him tested asap for allergies to wheat and milk! I didn't believe that Jack would be, but HE WAS!! AND VERY!!! Now that I know, I can't feed him things that he is allergic to! He is doing great only after a month on the wheat and milk free diet! Let me know if I can help you in any way! Christa Wisse, Eau Clarie, WI mcwisse@msn.com

Melinda - posted on 10/30/2008

www.talkaboutcuringautism.org is a great resource, A book called "unraveling the mystery of Autism, and seeing a dan Doctor in your area. Change in diet is Huge. Autisn and ADHD cook book. Good luck

Cristina - posted on 10/30/2008

my son is 4 1/2 and we just had the diagnosis in august... you are at an advantage with an early diagnosis, in terms of getting your son intervention... before the age of three there are free speech and occupational services, because of a national law that went in effect under the disabilities act that passed a few years ago... see if there's a local chapter of autism society of america in your area (google it).. they will have a vast aray of services that you can acsess plus they will also have other parents with children on the spectrum.. (from severe to high functioning).. i believe they will have support groups available... the earlier the intervention (research has shown) the higher the sucsess rate...best wishes, cristina

Kerry - posted on 10/26/2008

http://www.mugsy.org/wendy/ also look at tony attwood, who is aknowleged as one of the worlds leading therapists.http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/ and of course these will lead to other helpful sites.

Shannon - posted on 10/25/2008

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wished You Knew by Ellen Notbohn
Overcoming Autism by Lynn Koegel
Engaging Autism by Greenspan
Thinking in Pictures by Temple Grandin
Those should give you a good start. Check out your local chapter of Autism Society of America (I work for our's). And definitely get your child into the best, most intensive early intervention program you can find RDI and Floortime based has become the new best practice. Not sure who did your diagnosis but you should get an educational assessment through your school district and a medical diagnosis. Of course the school intervention is free, and with a medical diagnosis, your insurance will pay for the additional therapies needed - like day treatment, occupational therapy (find one that does sensory integration) and speech therapy.
It's wonderful that your son has been diagnosed to young. My son was diagnosed at 22 months. Due to terrific interventions, you can hardly tell. He just seems a little quirky. We predict he will start kindergarten without any supports. Good help is out there. Just take it one thing at a time.
Oh and if you can find a consultant, that helps so much. Our insurance pays for ours. She is an expert, knows all the local resources and helps direct your intervention plan. So important when you're just starting because there's so much information.
And please don't believe all the doom and gloom stories out there. Autism is not a prediction of any specific future. It's just a way of being. And it's unique to your child. You know him best and you still know what's best for him.
Take care and remember to enjoy him.

Katie - posted on 10/25/2008

"Let Me Hear Your Voice" and "Behavioral Intervention for Young Children With Autism A Manual for Parents and Professionals" both by Catherine Maurice.

Celeste - posted on 10/25/2008

I'm sure you are already in the early intervention program. Be an advocate and request a variety of services (ot, speech, early intervention teacher). Be open minded about communication ideas that they give you - PECS is a picture communication system that can be started young and stimulates verbal language. Sign language can also be good. In the baltimore area many families suppliment early intervention with services at Kennedy Krieger (Hopkins). In delaware its AI duPont. Always consider a diet change - it can't hurt!

Jennifer - posted on 10/24/2008

Hi I also just posted a new conversation if you want to look at it so I don't have to retype my daughter started exhibiting behavior at 18 mths old and was thrown out of 3 nursery schools and camp before we could finally get help....unfortunatly when they are so young Dr's won't diagnose them so you have to go out of the box and also be an advocate for your child....If I can help and save you from what I went through I would be happy to help.....Please ask me any questions and I'll try to steer you in the right direction

Kerry - posted on 10/24/2008

yes i agree with marisol, early intervention would make a big difference. Understanding the differences is the best way for mum and dad to cope, children get very frustrated by their own behaviour and usually end up being in a very bad mood that nothing will break.
Read anything from Tony Attwood, wendy lawson, and some of the autism support sites. Try to get to any playgroup style there is in your area. Knowlege is the key.
The children are all different to each other so adapting what you learn will be sometimes difficult. But keep at it. Also watch Rain man and an australian movie called the black balloon, Shine is also good to watch (see what autism can show up as in some people) I was confused by 'shine' until i realized what i was seeing!
And try to remember that your child does hear you he just may not understand what response is expected, or why.
PS he HASNT read any child development books so he doesnt know what he is supposed to be doing!
I would suggest a movement program of some sort, I dont know what is available but think any form of movement will be helpful.
good luck
i will post websites after i go to them and copy links for you.
and welcome i am glad we can help.

Marisol - posted on 10/23/2008

Hi My son was diagnosed at 26months. He is now 3 1/2 and has returned a year and a half of his life back..yay Praise God...Early Intervention is the key, of course a lot of prayer and faith...where are you located? Check out www.gfcfdiet.com that website helped me out also, get the baby checked out with a chiropractor that really turned the table with my son...hold on and always work together and believe that he will be ok..and will get better...God bless