My 4 year old DS has been diagnosed autistic. We knew this from the age of around 18 months, we choose to go private recently due to the waiting times and he's been diagnosed. He is in a nurture class in a mainstream and we are now waiting to apply for a unit. He is pre verbal, global delay, expected ADHD, incredibly busy and sensory seeking..we have every sensory toy or equipment you can get. The weather is horrendous at the moment so he can't go outside as much which is a nightmare. He climbs on kitchen countertops constantly and jumps off things. He is into everything, puts everything in his mouth and chews on everything. We've got locks on cupboards, windows, doors just to keep him in one place. School are great and a lifeline for us right now and he is happy there. We adore him, he is so loving and has the best smile and communicates with us in his own way. He lights up a room and everyone loves him. But it's so hard. Speech therapy isn't helpful and we haven't had an appointment in ages anyway, we can't get help from occupational therapy because they said they don't help with sensory issues/Pica (we're in Wales). We also have a newborn, it's just a stressful time. I'm not sure the point of this but I suppose has anyone been in a similar boat?
Any tips? Is there anything we can do to help him develop to his potential? We do intensive interaction, we have every sensory toy/ equipment under the sun, we are currently looking at a sensory room for him to add to the house, we go for as many walks as we can. We have limited help as family all work but they are supportive. I've joined Facebook groups and made friends in the same situation but events are limited at the minute for some reason. Just feel drained