Any young mums with autistic children??

Rosie - posted on 11/08/2011

a friend of mine has two autistic children, and has many resources through our local school, and an agency that helps special needs children at schools.
they also have a specially qualified caretaker (paid for by the state) to help take care of them every now and then.

i know that getting out and talking to her friends is really important to my friends sanity. she needs to talk to someone, and she needs to be away from her kids every now and then. like more than a "normal" person does. it doesn't always happen, but when she does get to go out it's a huge relief for her. there are many support groups out there, check with your doctors office, or even a chiropractors office. they might have good advice as well.
sorry i can't be of more help, good luck!

Jocelyn - posted on 11/08/2011

Hi Becci, I am 24 and have two kids. My son is almost 5 yrs old and is special needs (I can't elaborate because they can't settle on a diagnosis...arg! It's either PDD NOS or speech apraxia with a bit of ADD) I totally get where you are coming from! It is hard, frustrating and annoying as all hell when you have to deal with other people judging you and your child. Just because a kid LOOKS normal, doesn't mean that he IS normal. I found that it is better to be over informed involving your kids problems, that way if anyone DOES give you crap you can correct them. It also helps to think up witty come backs to any snarky remarks you think you may get. It will just make you feel better lol.
What works for me is that I have a GREAT support system. Just being able to talk with other moms and dads dealing with issues like this, and knowing that you are not alone in your struggles makes it much easier. There is a CoM group called Autism/Asperger's/PDD Awareness that I have found quite helpful. Feel free to message me and we can chat more if you're interested :)

Iridescent - posted on 11/08/2011

I have two autistic kids. There are multiple types of support out there. I'd honestly suggest finding a support group on Facebook - especially a closed or private one if you can. You can also find some local support groups by searching online through Autism Speaks.

Since your son is only 2, you may not be involved in the school system yet. Get involved. Call the school, explain this new diagnosis and ask for an evaluation for 0-3 services and an IFSP. This should provide in home therapies if he's delayed in enough areas until he is 3, at which time he would transition to preschool early. This is a good thing.

Speak with the place that gave the diagnosis or his main doctor about getting him started in therapies - especially Occupational Therapy and a sensory evaluation. Get this set up at a clinic site local to you and take him, even if he's also going to be getting therapy through school. School will only treat problems that effect education, and leaves a lot lacking. Clinic has no such limitations.

http://www.childbrain.com/pddq11.shtml - I use a lot of these treatments with my kids, and they are effective and help. Try to learn some that would be appropriate from here if you can.

You can request a referral to a genetic counselor, and I would suggest you do. Fragile X is a common cause of Autism, and so are mitochondrial disorders (if more than 3 systems are effected, and Autism = neurological so is one). There are treatments specific to each cause, and it can help! The waiting lists are long, so get on them as soon as possible. One child has yet to see a geneticist - his appointment is in January. Our other was confirmed to have a mitochondrial disease.

This is NOT him being naughty. Learn to teach based on his developmental age/capacity, instead of his age in numbers. It's so frustrating and hard to remember, and I get mad and overwhelmed! Other parents will judge you. Learn to ignore their ignorance and be proud of yourself and your son's improvements. He will improve!

My oldest is believed to be going into remission. Autism cannot be cured, but it CAN be treated to the point where you cannot tell there is a neurological difficulty unless you know the person very well. Feel free to find me/add me on Facebook if you need more help.
http://www.facebook.com/goldenrose

Becci - posted on 11/08/2011

Hi Laurelai thanks for that i can't believe some people but never mind.

Yes course i love him more and more everyday and thanks will look into it.

Laura Zoey - posted on 11/08/2011

Becci, please don't think anything of Diane's horrid despicable opinions. She is a twisted offensive woman to say that to you!

That said, I hope you find some encouragement or advise here! I'm no expert on autism, so I can't help much but just love on him as best you can and accept him as he is?, you can find books and support groups to help. :)

Maggie - posted on 11/08/2011

Hi there!

Unfortunately there is no such thing as probability regarding genetics and Autism. You are an expert on Autism and it's effects then Diane? Perhaps you know all about genetic disposition? Nice supportive, informative post there based on a knee-jerk reaction to something you know bugger all about. Or are you one of those lovely people that believe that the disabled don't have a right to exist? Judgy-pants ahoy much?

Why don't you get yourself an education about Autism before being so rude. "Ok..enough out of me" couldn't have put it better myself.