Hi newbie just hovering around ASD subjects

[neasels]

Hi

I posted here about 3 years ago about my DS regarding his withrawn/ serious behaviours and haven't been on here since.
He is now 3.6 years and has very limitted language skills and consultant Paed is now referring him for assessment for Autism.
I have read and read lots on line, but although some things ring true, other things don't. Does the lower end of the spectrum allow children to be really switched on about thier environments and build very loving relationships with close family and friends.
He is due to be assessed for a statement and I find it really hard with all the judgements and labels that people feel a need to throw at my very calm, sensitive and adorable liitle boy.

Does it get easier??

Also are there any good books anyone would recommend?

Thanks all, your threads are very helpful xx

Hi

Thanks for your response. I can see it getting easier once you get your head around the issues hey! I wouldn't change anything about him, but I do worry about his future happiness once he isn't so protected and supported, but I guess that's parenting...

Speak soon
x

My Son is 12 and undiagnosed but past issue include suspected asd or ocd. He is good kid and affectionate and supportive. Has small circle of friends but yet it can be hard. At moment, its a bit difficult as High School a bit problematic. Yes, there will be dips but be assured there will also be really good stuff too. There are lots of us here for you; best advice someone ever gave me was "Dont let other people warp your view of your child; he is yours and an individual,and you can love him and he can love you back". Not every child fits a pigeonhole

Really good to speak to you guys and to start looking at celebrating DS 's differences to the wider circles of social groups rather than isolation myself.

Your words give me thoughts for reflection and maybe when I can get some real answers then the grandparents can stop telling me that 'there is nothing wrong with ds' and 'he'll get there in the end'. DS is who he is and maybe it would help everyone if a few heads, including mine and my husbands came out of the sand long term....

A diagnosis doesn't change our ds, but I can see it may help us to manage things better and feel supportive without fear.

Thanks all

xx

My son is severely autistic and very loving and affectionate. He loves (and shows that he does) familiar adults. Less keen on children.

I think it's a myth that they aren't affectionate, my son is so loving to all the adults in his life (though not any kids as yet). And my HF ASD step daughter is virtually just like any other child, just some slight conversational oddities now and again and a rather over-literal interpretation of some things, eg jokes often go over her head. HF ASD is so difficult to diagnose, but I guess the lack of imaginative play might be one pointer. Good luck anyway!

Thank you all so much. This means of getting advice is a wonderful thing hey!

I shall keep in touch and let you know how things go and hopefully in the near future can offer someone else some helpful words as well.

xx

Neasels - do you keep a notebook/diary? Makes me feel so much better when I can look at the good days for my ASD DS and remind myself how loveable he can be. Can be helpful to look back and see when odd behaviours started too. Not a heavy thing - just notes sometimes. xx

Thanks Catok, no I don't but it would be helpful and some behaviours although at the time were crushing, we actually laugh and love now and so this would be a very good idea!

Thank you! xx

hello neasels

you sound like me and my family's experience, over the last year +, with our ds, really feel like we have been pursued by health professionals, it has been very hard for myself and my dh to get our heads out of the sand...

my family are still all over the place with what we are going through, I have been so emotional about it all, that I have been incapable of talking to people about what is going on with our ds, without getting extremely tearful and incapable of talking.

my ds will be four in may, he is sweet and loving and probably lots of things that wouldn't be a mainstream idea of autism... but I am slowly realising how broad the spectrum is, it can be quite overwhelming just wading through all the jargon!

we haven't got a diagnosis yet... the people involved in ds's care(nursery/speech therapist/early years learning support) are being gently supportive... consultant paed, was not giving a diagnosis when we saw him for the first time in Aug 07, just said ASD traits...

seeing my ds with his mainstream nursery classmates is the thing that made me realise how different our beautiful wee boy is...

that was a long winded way of saying I think I know where you are coming from, I really love this SN board, it has opened my eyes, in a very positive and humbling way to a different world..

don't be a stranger, this is a good place to come for so many different reasons!