new to this group

Danielle - posted on 07/08/2012

Hi, My son has PDD-NOS and was diagnosed when he was 2yrs 10 months old. He was very ridged in routine and when thrown off would have a tantrum. I learned to that to reduce these tantrums I needed to change myself. He is now 7 1/2 and very verbal and active. He continues to throw tantrums when things are out of whack in his life. Changes are very difficult for him. He needs warnings for most things and he still won't go to bed at 7:59 (bedtime is 8) because it's not 8 yet. You have to pick your battles and set standards. Set up routines that agree with both of you. Set up the rules of the house and stick to them. I taught my son how to read the time on the digital clock when he was three so that I could tell him a time so he would know when to expect to stop and do something else. I also would count down the minutes as the time neared. I started with 15 minute increments. I dealt with my family too not agreeing with my decisions to have my son evaluated and took him to all appointments myself and left my husband at home because he believed there was nothing wrong with him. People just didn't see what I saw/see on a daily basis. Stick you what you know is right for your son and try to educate the others the best you can but don't push it onto them. They will just pullback and fight you harder about everything. Understand that you are entering a territory of a mind that may not want to budge (your son), but plug through carefully and all will turn out all right. Don't allow yourself to get into yelling matches with him (though it is bound to happen at some point) it only causes more grief. When they would happen with my son I would send him to his room and go to mine, tell him when he's ready to talk we would and to let me know when he was ready and calmed down. We continue to use this today. It works well if he has the cognitive ability to understand this concept. I know this is long winded but if you need more help let me know.

Cherish - posted on 07/07/2012

Hi,
How old is he?Can he talk?

Shirley - posted on 07/06/2012

Hi leann, Im new to this goup also. I havn't even done a post yet. I have a teen daughter with with high functiong autisim and i remember way back when she was in kindergarden i was in your shoes. After her being misdiagnosed with ADD, being told it was just my parenting skills, or she was just being defiant. (Along with many tried medications) It wasn't untill she was eight years old that she was diagnosed with High Functioning Autisim. i guesse my my advice to you is to get a proffesional evaluation done and get a confirmed diagnoses. when people, friends, and teachers doubted my childs problems it was then that i felt i had firm ground to stand on; along with getting the proper treatment and support. It's hard cause sometimes friends and family don't understand and you just have to take a new avenue in life and meet different people that do care and understand. Thats why I'm here. I wish you the best in getting all the help you need.

Diane - posted on 07/05/2012

Hi Leanne. Many of us mothers knew there was something wrong with our children but were fobbed off by doctors and other professionals. When you get that autism diagnosis there is a sense of relief to at last have a name for it, and then there is the grief and then the guilt. But the most important thing is that now you have a name, you can arm yourself with information and learn how to help your little boy. For myself, I found that once I started to learn and apply what I learned, things started to improve. Not just because these things helped my son, but also because I could see that I could help him. My son has improved so much, and I am so proud of him. I still have ups and downs but I dont beat myself up about the downs. Those temper tantrums and inability to accept change are classic symptoms, and through planning and various techniques you will be able to help him, and yourself, deal with them. Knowledge is your best weapon and you can get that from your health professionals, therapists, nursery teachers, good web sites and most importantly other parents. Join your local support group, it will be worth it. Best of luck.

Katherine - posted on 07/05/2012

Hi Leann,

You have definitely come to the right place! Many moms on here with lots of help. I can imagine how it would feel to have your son diagnosed/or going through the diagnosis. Make sure you begin EIP and get a therapist right away. Go to your local autism chapter and autism speaks. Right now those are about the only things I can think of. I'm sure other moms on here will give you some more advice.