Autism

[jessiah91]

Hi there I'm new here! I just wondered if there were any mums on here with children who are autistic or have learning difficulties? My three year old son has just been diagnosed with autism after a long waited battle and fight to get a diagnosis. None of my friends have children and I just wanted to maybe get some hints and tips for meltdowns and just to hear about other parents stories really! I have been really struggling to process everything causing severe anxiety.
Thank you - Jess

Summer!!! I totally get that everyone staring all the time thinking they're naughty my son won't even sit in a trolley he just throws his head back and his legs and scratches me, child development centre told me "not to take him shopping" but that's easier said than done at times! I'm here ladies least we know we're not alone x

People are so judgemental now a days!! I get paranoid do people notice he doesn’t speak but then I think why care what people think, I say he can’t speak yet and I get ohhhhh!! It is good that we are not alone and we all feel in the same boat I just wish my son wakes up and bloody starts talking can’t wait to hear his little voice xxx

Jessiah91 how long did you have to wait for the MDA assesment? Did they give you.and answer that day or did you have to go back for diagnosis? Many thanks

I went for my sons first initial assessment beginning of last year and then another assessment was 2 weeks ago so we had to wait over a year for his next appointment as the waiting list is Sooo long! I begged them for a diagnosis as I was adamant I will not wait an extra year as it has caused me so much stress and anxiety. And with my son it's quite obvious he is autistic... she even picked up on this and said when we saw her two weeks she could tell pretty much from the get go of him walking into the assessment room! (Which I was unhappy about) I am unsure of how you "can tell" but I guess she is the doctor. I can tell because he's my son and I just knew something wasn't right from around 6 months old. I would honestly keep phoning your assessment centre/ doctors/ health visitors constantly until they give you an appointment or some sort of salt etc xxx

It’s nice to know there are other people in the same boat. It feels very lonely sometimes as no-one I know seems to be going through the same thing!

Currently going through the system at the moment. My DS is 2.5 and under SENCO at nursery. The HV has referred him to a paediatrician and SALT. Everyone is very non-committal and won’t tell us what they think the problem may be which is leading to a huge amount of anxiety.

How do you deal with the obvious differences and childrens/parent’s reactions? We’re on holiday at the min and DS flapping/jumping is getting questions at the pool and I just don’t know how to handle it without wanting to burst into tears.

I would just say my child has sensory needs and don't be embarrassed (as hard as it sounds) I know how easy it is to say "what the hell are you staring at" Ive done this a few times in rage at people in supermarkets and parks.. which I just lost my temper people standing with there mouths open and shaking there heads! my son spins constantly and people like to comment on him that "somethings wrong with him" I've even had people come up to him in the street saying he has meningitis quite laughable really but very upsetting I state he has autism so it's a way he calms himself down by spinning and flapping etc. Some people are arrogant and don't understand unfortunately but there are so many of us who are all going through the same thing! Would be great for people to support each other though instead of staring and pointing which is horrific. I'm actually scared to go out anywhere at the moment as I just don't know how I can cope if he meltsdown and I'm on my own? His aggressive behaviour is currently out of control and I don't know how to calm him down when he's like this. I can totally relate to you 1000% just smile and be proud I know it's difficult if you ever need to talk just message me :) x

Hi all! :) can anyone recommend me a video monitor for my autistic 3 year old son? I really think it may help me with piece of mind at bedtime as he keeps climbing onto his windowsill and I'm up and down stairs 15+ times xx