Child Newly Diagnosed with ASD - Where do I start?

[Kataca]

I am looking for some advice about where to start. My 3 year old son has just been diagnosed with Autism. I also have 5 year old twins.

Please help!

What are his main problems ? That might sound stupid but autism varies such a lot from one child to another that what works for one does not work or is not appropriate for another.

Cameron was born with an Exhomphalos (abdominal organs in a sac outside his body). Two day after birth this was operated on and everything seemed fine. Cameron was a very placid child never cried for food, didn't wake in the night. When he was 14 months old it was brought to our attention that he didnt really respond to sound. Under anaesthetic the did and ABR and the brain did not receive the sounds. He was diagnosed as deaf. 14 months on he had his tonsils removed and whilst under anaesthetic they retested his hearing and his brain heard everything.

Cameron only started walking in August last year age 2 years and 9 months.

He chews anything in site. The tv is ruined. He chew radiators, stair gates, doors, table, chairs, anything in his sight line

We have no speak - only noises

Eye contact is very bad

He is sensative to light

He is very interested in the sounds of the hoover, hairdryer and the vibrations of the wahing machine, dishwasher and the tumble dryer.

He has started head butting the tv and the floor.

He has started hitting and pulling the twins hair.

My husband is in the forces and as of Wednesday I am going to be on my own and I am completely panicing.

Cameron is at Nursery 5 days a week and he has 1 to 1 - should he have 1 to 1 with a specialist teacher?

Should be seeing a speak and lanuage specialist soon as well as physio and ot.

F xx

I think you are likely to need help from Speech and Language and Occupational Therapy. You need help to get some communication system going - Does he tend to drag you if he wants something ? Not getting sound for 14 months must have had an impact so in many respects he may be a much younger child than he is in actual years so hopefully even with ASD dx there is good chance he will pick up over time and gain more language and understanding. My DS had no hearing issues but I wouldn't have believed the progress he's made if someone had told me at the time of dx. Have you had any contact with a Speech Therapist?

Sorry - you said you are seeing a SALT soon - You should take a list of all the ways he communicates or attempts to communicate

Cameron has the developmental age of a 12 - 15 month old child. He has recently started taking my finger and taking me to where he wants to be and to what he wants. He is a very loving child but prefers to cuddle rather than dish out kisses. When he cuddles he wants you to squeeze him tight.

I have a social worker coming round tomorrow as i need some support in the home. Direct payments or something. Could do with assistance between 4 and 7 as the twins have a dinner, bath and bed routine which would be good if Cammi could have the same.

I think others can tell you more about Direct Payments but yes I think the money could be an ideal way to employ someone to give you help setting up a family routine. It sounds like you need the support so don't let anyone put you off.

thank you cyberseraphim x

I would suggest that you consider starting an ABA programme as soon as possible. The information available online is abundant. It is the only scientifically proven method of effectively treating autism. Our son was DX'd at 3 and the ABA programme has made all the difference. The sooner you start, the more effective the intervention. PEACH (peach.org.uk) has lots of information and if you call their office, they can get you started. Best of luck.

Thank you Jen, Im off to have a look xxx

where in UK are you? Is there any support group near by? Its is so helpful to a an apsie friend nearby to call on in my experience. Is he at school all day?
Take your time, read all you can and take time to think it all though.
HTH