Autism diagnosis - please help

[moanymandy]

My DNephew has been diagnosed today with autism. They hinted to Asperges earlier in the year but he was formally diagnosed today with 'significant' Autism.

It's been an emotional day for my Dsis and I have tried to put a positive spin on it, in that he will now have more help and support available to him at school and for them at home.

She has been given lots of information today to read up on. Including support groups for her and my DNephew but understandably she has been in the right frame of mind to take much of it in.

To top off her day she has just called me in tears because DNephew has just attacked her kicking punching and he head butted her!!

His fish died today and he is blaming her saying she killed it. he is 8years old and she is a single mum with another 4yo dc.

I would really like to help her and as I can't physically be there for her right now as I live 30 mins away with young dc myself. I would at least like to be able to offer some practical help and support. Especially when she calls me during times like tonight. I feel so helpless

I have had a little look online and I have found the mencap website but is there anything more anyone can recommend?

If anyone is going through similar and has and advice I can pass on that would be great, thank you.

[Polter]

Send here here

I would point her to the NAS website for general autism knowledge and the Lives in the Balance website (and accompanying book The Explosive Child) for help with techniques.

[Marshmallow09er]

A supportive, listening ear goes a long way after a tricky day.

When she feels ready I think contacting local support groups will be helpful for her - lots have Facebook pages too if actually getting to groups is difficult for her.

Being proactive with school. I assumed support would automatically fall into place following my DS's diagnosis, but this was not the case and you do have to take charge (although finally my DS does have lots of support so I am having to adjust to trusting them all and taking more of a backseat).

Plenty of fresh air always helps too - sometimes leaving the house for just 30 mins can help diffuse any tensions.

Direct her to these boards too - over the years I have found the most useful, helpful and understanding support over here.

[moanymandy]

Thank you both. She has been given some information to research and I will point her in the direction of NAS and lives in the balance and have a look myself -thank you.

The school have been pretty good up until now and he likes his teacher which is great so fingers crossed they continue to support him.