my son was diagnosed this past Friday.

[eandz]

Hello ladies,

On Friday my ds (2.7 yrs old) was given a working dx of ASD.

I know what it means, but really, what does this mean for me? I know it's a long road of sencos/statements/more tantrums etc. Tell me though, in your words what I need to hear.

My mother in law is in hysterics and I can't get a word in edgewise, I tried to tell her it's not the end of the world. My own parents are telling me that it'll be a difficult road for me but that my ds will be okay.

Thank you Ellen Jane, that does help.

My ds is 6 1/2. He had no speech until about 4 years, was very introverted, a loner etc Loved routine, repetitve play etc. I pushed to get help, ASD didn't occur to me until he was around three. To cut long story short, he was finally diagnosed at 5. Even though I knew it was coming, it was a shock and I felt so down for about a week afterwards.

Now my DS is in mainstream school with a statement, 20 hrs a week 1:1 support. He is a very loving and gentle boy who recognises that there is something different about him :( He is very bright, working harder than anyone in the class (!) and has a little group of friends who try to help him. He tells me all the time that he loves me :). He can swim after having lessons in a small group and talks non stop!

Don't get me wrong - there are loads of difficulties, issues and tantrums but ASD is part of him and we love and accept all of him.

Thank you for that BagPuss that makes me feel better, and it helps with my coping.

It will take to to sink in, on a positive note it's good you got a dz so early lots of parents fight for years to get one so well done !

Best advice I was given is "it's a marathon not a sprint". My son is 10 now and was dz at 3.5 - I was v upset and will never forget the day as long as I live.
Try your children's centre as an outreach worker could offer you some good support and help with nursery . There wil be other parents in your area in the same boat and does help talking to others.
Families are an odd one let them sort themselves out and look after yourself - it helps to have a black sense of humour !

Aww, Uniquekidz thanks for the advice. I already have a terrible sense of humor.