Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

I understand and my heart and prayers go out to you. There are no easy answers. My son was diagnosed at 2 years and 9 months. It was indeed a difficult time for me. When your child is not doing what the "typical" child is doing, you feel alone - at least I did. However, 4 years later, my son is now 7, he is the sweetest son I ever dreamed of having and he is gifted. He has taught me to see and think in ways that I never dreamed of thinking. In fact, now, I am quite bored with the "typical" people. My daughter is 3 and I would never tell her this, of course, but I find her development quite boring because it is so "typical." Don't get me wrong - I love her to death. It is just that her behavior is so predictable (terrible twos, not sharing period, saying "no." My son didn't go through these phases. He didn't behave the way typical children, but he did things that blew me away, like knew his letters at 2 and could even read at 3. Now he is 7 and he knows all the freeways in california, how to get there, he draws maps like an engineer, etc. He is so smart in ways that typical 7 years old aren't. My point of saying all this is no matter if he has an autism diagnosis or not, find the specialness in him, and try not to get stuck on the label "autism" - treat him as a person - as he is - who he is - love him because he is your son and he will appreciate that more than you know. Today - my 7 year old son and I have a bond that is very special and precious. He may be different, but we have a bond that we probably wouldn't have if he were neurotypical. I hope this message helps you. take care, god bless, and remember to take care of yourself. You are important, too.

I am not an autistic person, but my son is autistic. In my personal opinion, you have two choices.....1. you can continue to feel "hopeless" or 2. do something about it. I guarantee that if you choose to do something about it you will feel a lot better. I agree with adler234639, it means your child will live a different life. That isn't such a bad thing. In fact, my son has brought so much joy into our families lives. He makes us see things differently, he makes us slow down and helps us appreciate the small things that tend to get lost in our busy life style. Your child is a gift, take the time and patience to appreciate the gift you have been given. Slow down and get to his level, in time you will reach him. It's all worth it!!!!!

LOL, I was just talking about this earlier today with the schools Autism specialist.

A year ago, the sheer thought of Autism was something to be feared. Nope, not my kids. Look at how smart they are. We had aunts and uncles in the family who didn't speak until they were 4yrs old....and they turned out fine. The excuses just kept rolling off my lips.

Then diagnosis day came. I was crushed. How....how could my baby be autistic. This wasn't right.

Then I went from denial, to fear. What was I gonna do? What will happen when I'm gone? Who will care for them?

Yup, been there and done that one sweetie. But I allowed myself to embrace autism. And I can't believe now that I was ever scared of it.
I will say it here. I love Autism. I love it! I love what the boys teach me. I love that they are so unique and so interesting. Yes, the challenges are huge. Yes, there are bad days. Yes, no other mom you go to "KNOWS" what we go through. But my boys are not disabled. They simply learn differently. I treat them the same way how we treat my niece who has dyslexia. You simply get the help you need for them. (okay, getting them help is not so simple)...it is once it's started.

But sweetie. If I can offer you any advice at all....don't be afraid of autism. I wasted my energy on it. And it was a waste and some time I'll never get back. And if your child does have autism...don't treat him like he has it. Just focus on getting him the help he needs.

My prayers are with you!
Hugs!