feeling a bit overwhelmed

[boydonewrongagain]

Its a bit of a difficult thread for me to write this one.

I've been concerned my Ds may have autism / dyspraxia since before he was 1. I've visited gp's and hv's and just been fobbed off a bit really.

Well I finally got into see a paediatrician (again) last week and he did agree he does think it may be autism or dyspraxia so now I have a speech therapist coming out to see him as well as a specialist paediatrician you'd think I'd be happy my ds is finally getting sorted and I really am but I just can't stop crying about it.

I love him no matter what and always will I just feel so sad that he will always have challenges ahead for him. It will all be real in a few weeks when he has been seen by everyone and I just feel like I've failed him so much and I'm so worried for his future.

I Dont know what I expect anyone to say really I just am too scared to admit how worried I am in RL to my husband family and friends

I have no advise, but be kind to yourself!
You haven't failed him, in fact I would say you have done the opposite, you have persevered with the doctors and peads to get him the help you both need!

Try and think of it as a positive if you can, you have fought your arse off to get him help, and you should be proud of that.
Hopefully with a diagnosis things will start to improve for you

You have not failed him. You've gone to a lot of trouble to get him the help that he needs, well done, other parents might just have let it slide.

(hugs) Take a look at 'thinking in pictures' by temple grandin - she's a well known scientist in her field and on the spectrum herself, her book goes into a lot of detail about different types of autism and its a really interesting read.

i'd say what your feeling is more than normal. Of course you are feeling upset, we all want the best for our little ones and any hint no matter how big or small that there may be something going on makes your stomach churn and your heart ache.

just know that whatever happens from hereon in he will always be your gorgeous little boy and nothing will ever change that - as long as he and you are happy then that's all that matters. you've done the right thing by pushing to get all the help you can, now sit back and see what happens and love him like you do now. of course if he does have a diagnosis then you will have a lot of help, and you will cope. a diagnosis will not take your son away from you, it will help you understand him better and there's no reason with autism or dyspraxia he can't lead a happy life.

my DSD is 17 and has dyspraxia and whilst (i'm not going to lie) it can be frustrating at times, she is "normal" to us - she goes to college has amazing friends and more importantly is happy. She was given help through school and her college have been amazing in helping her cope with organisation etc

big hugs to you x

I really do feel for you and as a mum it is impossible not to worry, but try to remember that autism and dyspraxia are a spectrum rather than a label. He may have mild symptoms which don't affect him much or he may need more specialist input, but every child is different so try not to focus solely on the diagnosis but instead more on his own personal needs. Hope you get good support, all the best x