High functioning autism

[oohlordylordy]

Just got diagnosis, this is what 'they' think DS has. DS is nearly 4.

Any help, advice, stories, tips would be so greatly appreciated, feeling very shaky, even though it is not a surprise really.

Also, what do we do about school in sept?

Thank you

Agnes - how do you go about finding ABA tutors?

We do have a privately funded tutor two mornings a week which has made a massive difference to DS. But, I do need to talk to her about DS's DX. I am not sure if she will be happy to stay.

I have been in touch with DS's primary school and am hoping they will be open to a half way house.

It depends where you live! We use Autism Partnership who have staff in Leeds, Cheshire and London. PEACH is a charity for ABA and also have staff around the country. In the South there are lots more private providers and then there are people who are freelance. There are ABA schools and nurseries around. Yahoo has an ABA group where you can advertise for tutors. Really you want a consultant or supervisor to set the programme and direct it and then they can train tutors, or you, or may have their own staff. Don't go for anyone who wants to tie you in to a long contract - there are dodgy providers out there but the good ones will not tie you in. Lots if people on here who do ABA who can give recommendations in your area. Go and watch some ABA first to see if its for you. Lots of threads on here about ABA if you search. May be better to start a new thread asking for suggestions in your area.
You can start by just getting some consultant level advice and training for you or a private tutor.
You could use a tutor to do playmates etc at home or in pre school and start social skills work that way

Hi

I feel it best to concentrate on those strengths and let him avoid the things he doesn't like

That's exactly the advice that I received from an eminent Prof who we consulted privately about DS who has Aspergers.

It's advice that I've followed to the letter ever since. There is no point whatsoever in trying to push them to excel at things that just do not come naturally to them. Having said that, things lie social stories can really help them understand the world in easily identifiable chunks.

I agree with the others - apply for a Statement as soon as you can.

The more support he receives at an earlier age the better the outcome will be.

You are feeling raw and trying to make sense of this dx - but it's not the end of the world. At 15 my son was unable to attend school and was very unwell due to bullying he received at school. At 23 he has a BSc and is completing his MSc. I'm telling you this so you know there is hope beyond the dx. Our children can achieve in the tight setting - we just have to battle to obtain the support that allows them to achieve.

Try to think positively - he's been dx'd at a very young age. There are years ahead in which you can help him overcome his difficulties.

Best wishes

I think I'm going to have to grow a pair and really learn to fight for him.

I've taken his lead today. Let him do what he wants as he wants to, and he is the happiest little boy. He's calm and relaxed and open to reading books with me etc.,

if I forced him to go to the gym class he SHOULD have gone to this morning, I would be faced with a screaming wreck of a child.

I know I have to keep repeating to myself and to others: This is NOT because he is naughty. This is not because he wants his own way. This IS because he can't deal with things other children don't even question.

Spot on.