Article in Guardian today

[sphil]

Have just read (with trepidation) an amazing article by an 80 year old woman who is caring for her 53 year old autistic son. I say with trepidation because it's probably the single thing that worries me most about DS2 - what happens when we're not around any more? But although the article does ask this question, it's also very positive. Someone do the link for me (she whined pathetically)

Here you go:

link{http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,1957948,00.html\grauniad link}

and again

That is very, very touching. amazing how far Howard has come for a child who didn't speak until he was ten. Those Guardian First Persons are often stunning. Real people's accounts of their lives, unmediated, have such power.

this is wonderful. Thank you for highlighting it. I sometimes wonder what DD3 and I will be like when we're older, when DD1 and DD2 have gone off to do their own thing. I hope we'll be happy too........

meant to say, thanks for posting about it sphil..

oh god that was so touching.

such strong love for her child (of course) and as always, when I read these things about talking at 10, a glimmer of hope. What a wonderful woman.

Wow, what an inspirational story. I worry myself silly about how we'll manage with our handicapped DS when we're older so it's welcome relief to hear such a positive story.

It was a lovely inspirational story. Amazing how far the lady's son had progressed. I was so impressed by her tenancity and courage and it was great that both of them were happy.

It was just worrying what would happen when she died, the article didnt really address that issue. It would be nice to think that the son could be supported in his home but how realistic is that given the pressures on social services?

Sorry you had a bad day . What was the news?

I'm really sorry to hear this . Even if you know in your heart something is not quite right it is devastating when a professional confirms this.

How old is your ds? How does the paediatrician know he is going to be so different from your older ds?

My friend's ds was diagnosed with ASD at 3 and spent four years at a special school. He had severe problems communicating and understanding simple instructions. He progressed so well he is now at mainstream secondary school with a statement so things can improve.

dinosaur

oh I'm sorry dino.

Please remember though it is very hard to tell when they're so little. I've seen children who at 2 appeared far more affected than ds1 fly past him.

sorry to hear that Dino, i have three with autism, my twin girls were born with autism and at 12 they are very placid but have a lot of learning needs, ds who is 9 was not autistic he regressed at 20 months, it was heart breaking to watch him lose everything, however he is our most able now and doing very well in mainstream.
yet if i look back at them all at 3 he was the least able, hope that makes sense.

Oh dinosaur

I emailed you this moring dino- but you're out of office!