ASD

[SugahQueen1]

Does anyone have a child/children that have ASD and how are you coping?

@SugahQueen1 it's amazing to hear them say words isn't it, gives me so much happiness.
I think we are just learning what situations to avoid, we used to try and do all the usual 2/3 year old activities and it would be super stressful and end in tears, now we are selective on choosing activities we know he will enjoy and will not be overwhelming.

Not really. When DD was younger it was a quiet, nice and very calm child, I just thought a bit shy to speak or express feelings. There were local families we met and kids played together. DD can't cope with social situations and changes and transitions (not aggressive though), pandemic was a disaster. This was when I discovered it was ASD. Local families distanced once I told them openly about the condition. Fortunately there are still other kids she plays with while I am rather on my own - got used to it.
How are you coping? Got support?

@SugahQueen1 We are lucky . My son has 1:1 support in preschool. He has Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. In terms of help for me, none, but like you I'm more focused on help for him. I feel like if we can get to know him and his needs and learn as much as we can now that will help him going forward.

[quote NiceTwin]@SugahQueen1 we don't have family support, it is just dh and I. My elder dd is great with her but struggles to understand her behaviour.

We are lucky that she got into grammar school where there are very few SEN children and the SENCO isn't spread too thinly. She has been a great support.

She has been under CAMHS but didn't engage with counselling or CBT but they again have been great when she took an overdose.

She is in GCSE year and trying to sort out what she is going to do when she leaves is proving a bone of contention. I have had to take a step back because we just keep butting heads about her lack of action.

We had a late diagnosis at 13. In her younger years, I just saw her as a quirky, bright child. Hindsight and reading up, there were definite signs and I wish we had had an earlier diagnosis.[/quote]
@NiceTwin

Same with us. That’s nice to hear your elder DD is great with her.
It can be hard finding schools that have good SENCO. But it’s great that they have been very supportive!

I wish her all the very best in the future and with her GCSEs.

Honestly I never really saw any signs with DS until others started pointing them out. I just thought everything he was doing was normal. But now we are tying to adjust and understand him.

[quote balloonsandmoreballoons]@SugahQueen1 it's amazing to hear them say words isn't it, gives me so much happiness.
I think we are just learning what situations to avoid, we used to try and do all the usual 2/3 year old activities and it would be super stressful and end in tears, now we are selective on choosing activities we know he will enjoy and will not be overwhelming. [/quote]
It really is. It makes me really happy he’s able to express himself a little bit.
It can be hard finding activities to do outside of the home. Even walking can end up in tears! 😔 We have been to a trampoline place that has peaceful play sessions which are amazing for him. They are especially for children who have autism or who have disabilities.

@Khatyaa

Not really. When DD was younger it was a quiet, nice and very calm child, I just thought a bit shy to speak or express feelings. There were local families we met and kids played together. DD can't cope with social situations and changes and transitions (not aggressive though), pandemic was a disaster. This was when I discovered it was ASD. Local families distanced once I told them openly about the condition. Fortunately there are still other kids she plays with while I am rather on my own - got used to it. How are you coping? Got support?

Sorry to hear that! That’s not nice that those people have distanced themselves. I feel like people don’t understand and don’t care too.

I can imagine that this pandemic wasn’t kind. That’s great that she still has other kids to play with.
We cope day by day .. some days are amazing and others I feel like giving up but I have my partner for some support as all our family have moved away and tend to not want to talk about it. I speak with his nursery teacher who offers to help support him.

[quote MistyFrequencies]@SugahQueen1 We are lucky . My son has 1:1 support in preschool. He has Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. In terms of help for me, none, but like you I'm more focused on help for him. I feel like if we can get to know him and his needs and learn as much as we can now that will help him going forward.[/quote]
That’s amazing, I might need to look into 1:1 support but unsure if they do that were we live.
DS always does SPeech and Language which was a little struggle in the beginning but all help is welcomed!!
That’s exactly how I feel. If I can just get the support/ help for him then I’ll be fine. I’ve been trying to do some yoga when DS goes to bed and it seems to be working for right now.

I know it was such a broad post but thank you all for answering! 🤍

Great to read your stories - people who understand the ups and downs in our day to day life.

@Khatyaa

Great to read your stories - people who understand the ups and downs in our day to day life.

It is really nice to hear other experiences. You never hear positives but it’s good to know we’re not alone! 🤍