Positive autism stories please

[ForeverBubblegum]

I'm feeling pretty down after a meeting about DS, and could really do with some light at the end of the tunnel. If any of you lovely SEN mums can share stories of progress or positive outcomes for your autistic children it would be much appreciated.

For context DS just turned 4, currently awaiting a diagnosis (many covid delays), but everyone involved with him agrees the diagnosis is just a formality really. Logically I know the meeting was quite positive, we planned what evidence we still need to collect to put in a EHCP application by February so it's processed and funding in place for him started reception. The school is on bored and confident they can get it accepted, so all good really.

The bit I'm struggling with is when everyone was asked to share their concerns, followed by 20 minutes of various people listening every struggle or crappy thing that's happened, and it was a lot. Nothing I didn't already know, but hearing it all together just makes want to cry for my baby. He's so desperate to make friends and play with the other kids but keeps getting it wrong and already the other preschoolers are pulling away from him.

Sanchi by positive I mean have a happy life and overcome or find work arounds for some of the things he struggles with that make his life dificult and often miserable. Basically I'm trying to envisage a future that's less carp than the present.

In your case I would definitely class moving from life been "hell" to life no longer been hell (infered from the was) as something positive. Your DD sound lovely

She is a sweetheart though still young. A lot can change in adulthood.

Adult with asd here. I can relate to what your son is going through. I had a really hard time in school growing up trying to 'fit in' and socialise with the other kids. I ended up having to observe the other kids to learn how to make friends and play with others. It got a bit easier as I got into late high school and I came up with my own ways to cope once in college with the help of MH services however it wasn't easy.

Fast forward to today and I am now married, have a lovely bubba, a good group of close friends, a degree, my own home and a full time job. Despite all my issues growing up I feel I've had a positive outcome having asd.

I know everyone on the spectrum experiences asd differently, there are different levels of severity and everyones outcomes are very different however wanted to reassure that people on the spectrum can lead normal lives.

Also adult asd here. Back then there was no diagnosis so life was a bit more difficult in terms of people just thinking you are "weird" Somehow I found "weird" friends and we have been weird together ever since. Still friends 25 years onwards (I have 3 friends).

Also (although by no means should this be a measure of success) I have 3 degrees, happy marriage (DH is ASD too and we met in a nightclub :-D ). One baby one on the way and if they do have asd I will be nothing but OK if not happy. Why? Because it can be bad and the more severe cases are really hard but I like people with asd more than nt people (maybe I am biased though).

My son is such a beautiful soul. He is kind, polite and respectful. All. His teachers adore him. He truly is a dream teen. The rules. Are the rules that can't be broken (this is a good thing, until you need too tell a white lie ) He was only diagnosed with asd a year ago. He is now 14 years old. He is high functioning asd. I knew from the age of about 3 that something was not right the older he became the more apparent it became. His school did not feel the need too push for a diagnosis as he was not suffering educationally. My son is very intelligent and he seemed happy. He had a friend and I didn't push it. I didn't see the need. It is now one of my biggest regrets. It wasn't until he started comprehensive that things spiralled out of control and they did terribly and it was an awful awful time I felt physically sick with worry. His mental health was awful. He knew he was different he would cry too me and the bullying was awful. My son is one of the kindest most harmless polite and intelligent person you could meet. He is vulnerable and became a target for bullies as he was still in mainstream school waiting for a diagnosis. I won't go on but the school was failing him miserably and after many meetings with them. And their refusal to help. One day I had to go and pick my son up because he had been bitten so badly by another pupil 2 years above him I refused too send him back. I fought them until they let him go to a more suitable school within months he had his diagnosis and we have not looked back. Take advantage of all the support available. Your child's happiness depends on you. It is hard and it isn't easy but I have learned that be involved in every aspect of their education. They need a strong parent who will fight for them and take any help support and access too groups you can get. Your child will most likely mix better with like minded children. Since my son has moved too his new school he is in a class with other children with sen and he has so many friends now. Genuine friends. He is happy. We have days that aren't great but honestly his autism is not the problem. It's the world we live in. I am blessed, all asd is different and you will find your way. If you ever need too talk Message me. Good luck