Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.

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jordanc 04/24/2007

During my son's last meeting with the early intervntionist and child psychologist, they told me that the school district I live in has a Head Start program. He doesn't turn three until October, but they said the program has a special needs class, and the head teacher is flexible about allowing mid-semester enorllments. And since my son has special needs, the services are provided through the school district. They also said that it would benefit him because he could be in a structured educational setting for a year prior to starting preschool. I won't know what to do when I lose my playmate on the days I have off from my job!! If anybody has any experiences with Head Start or knows anything about it, please let me know. It sounds like a good thing; I just want to make the right decision. Thanks.

deleted_user 04/24/2007

Intervene as early as possible.

deleted_user 04/24/2007

HEAD START IS A GREAT PROGRAM. I HAVE HAD TWO GO THROUGH IT SO FAR. I LOVED IT.

deleted_user 05/01/2007

I thought it was a good way to learn more about my childs illness and proper ways to interact with him in a 'special needs' capacity. I will not lie and say it was the best program you can find. It is state funded and so they have limited resources. If you are looking for true intervetion Kennedy Krieger in Baltimore, MD has a program called Aceivement just for Autism Spectrum children. They are small classes, I would assume there is a waiting list, that are highly tailored for the issues facing your child. It is run by the authorties in the world on Children's disorders (they are a division of Johns Hopkins) It was much better, and more successful, for my child and all of the parents I knew who were involved. Just do the best that is available to you and never feel like you let your child down because they didn't get into that special program or take that latest rage drug. Just love them above all.

deleted_user 05/01/2007

My son started in a developmental preschool class provided through the school (like Head Start), and he started in January. He has made tremendous progress since starting the program, and I am so thankful for it and his teacher. If you are able to get a slot, take it. Also, he can receive his services such as occupational and speech therapy through the school, making it more convenient for you to not have to drive him to several different appointments. It is worth it.

Also, one option would be to do half days at first, even if the days you are off are the only half days. Or, maybe three days a week or some other part-time arrangement. Quite often, that is the norm for young 3s starting preschool. My son goes half days from 7:45 until 12:00, then goes to a regular sitter (I work full time M-F). Half days has worked well, and he will start full days next year.

Let us know how it goes.

deleted_user 05/02/2007

Alaways start early... but you know that.. its a great program and the earlier the better.. u know what to do :)

deleted_user 05/03/2007

Head Start was the best thing that happened to us! Cole was non-verbal but the interventions from the speech he got at headstart was amazing. Not only that, he had OT there also which made a huge difference AND I was not needing to take more time away from him by taking him to outside speech. We still did outside OT in addition to the OT he was recieving there. Another great thing was the interaction with the other kids and the meals. Cole has feeding issues and sensory problems and he had to be exposed to the different smells and with adults that could handle him when he had an aversion.
We decided to keep him in head start for both years instead of going to an outside pre-school. He had an IEP in Headstart and it just carried over to kindergarten!
I recommend Head Start 100%!

deleted_user 05/04/2007

I think an eductional program with integrated services is key. The earlier the better. Be prepared for a short transition period - both for your son and yourself - that may be dificult. Still, after a few weeks I'll bet your son will be excited to go to school everyday. By the by, you should ask the district to schedule a visit for you and your family. Go with your son if possible and meet the teacher and other staff. You may want to think about a transition program as well, start out with a 1/2 day for a few days and make it longer.

deleted_user 05/04/2007

In my experiance with pre-k My son loved it, although everything was strange and new he adapted very quickly. They offer him speech and OT along with early learning.. in Aug he will be able to go to kindergarten and my school district has special needs classrooms provided by the school district. my advice is to call the school and have an I.E.P (individual education plan) done, so they know what hes capable of then ask to have a tour of the class or classes and meet the staff. I know your scared and very nervous.. I cried for the first week and it scares the hell out of me to think he'll be out in the big bad world without me but he needs this and I do too!

deleted_user 05/04/2007

We got my son into ppcd(head start in school/special ed.) program in our school district at 3 yrs.old. He wasn't talking, barely making eye contact and was starting to withdraw alot more. By the time his first year was over he was making eye contact and talking (not much, but it was more than we had before) and we were getting hugs and kissess.

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