From the article: Tips for Parents New to Autism
The best source of advice for parents coping with a new autism diagnosis is - other parents of children with autism. If you've been coping with a autism for a while now, you may have some valuable insights to share. Add your tips and hints for parents new to autism! Share Your Experience
New mom
- I just found out through an educational advocate what PDD-Nos was-I was told he had a nonvervbal learning disability never given that PDD-Nos is on the Autistm spectrum. I’m frustrated that during my feedback session at the hospital that I was not explained this. NLD was discussed but never the Autism Spectrum. I had to go to an advocate because the school system is not helping my son-its NO to everything and I was told budget wouldn’t allow for his reccommendations. My advocate asked if I knew what PDD-Nos was-So now I feel like the past 3 yrs were wasted-I should have been fighting harder on the IEP. He said they know what it is-they had to rewrite the diagnois on his IEP. I have a meeting next week with the school-My advocate told me “His IEP is a joke, their not servicing him correctly.” He is coming with me to the meeting. I feel like a horrible mother today. I have requested things during the IEP meetings and I feel like the mother no one wants to see coming but I have also trust
- —Guest momofagreatson
hi everybody
- hi there everybody.just to tell you that after a year my son was diagnised with autism, my doughter as well just a week ago.all i can say is:don't worry- be happy.you have been selected from god to have this child who will be very talented and above all.it will be very ,very difficult ,for all of you, with a child of autistic diagnosis, and it will go on being difficult for some time, but if you can hold on and have the patience is all it is needed.and dont forget another think,albert einstain,isac newton and so many people well famous people had autism.so please dont forget that and be happy what you have. all the best keep smiling even is hard
- —Guest lynda
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- All I can say is patience patience patience and as much suppoort as you can get. I'm currently trying to potty train my 3 year old daughter who was recently diagnosed with autism. It's rough but my husband is very supportive and without him and my parents I surely would go crazy. The one thing that fustrates me the most is other people who look and stare when my daughter has a tantrum out in public, but that doesn't stop me from taking her out with the family it actually makes our trips more interesting. My advice is read as much information as you can a find other parents of children with autism or support groups in your area.
- —Guest Natasha
new to autism
- i am a mother of three two girls and a boy and my third born child a 43months old boy has just been diagnosed with austism spectrum disorder,it was so hard for me because i dont even know what to do next.my son loves to ham to songs and his a good drummer for a boy his age as he drums with excellent rythem i love him so much and need tips on how to help him as he cant speak but just pulls my hand when he needs something and potty training him has been so hard.he goes to preschool and the teachers dont seem to understand his problem because he is always drumming on his chest and desk and loves it when its time to sing in class.
- —Guest audmuta
Don't Give up Hope
- When you get a dianosis of autism you often here all sorts of doom & gloom messaging about all the things your child probably "won't" ever do. Don't ever give up on your child! It will be hard work, people will not understand but you are the most important influence in your child's life so you need to love them and have hope for them and work to help them reach their goals and their greatness. You can do this or you would not have been chosen to parent this special gift of a child.
- —Guest Julie
PA PA
- I Think parents with Autistic Children from N.Y.C. have it especially hard. In N.Y.C., everyone want's "EVERYTHING" Yesterday! If there ever was a lesson to be taught to any parent with an Autistic child it's patience and then some. Remember there will be many tomorrows so enjoy today.
- —Guest BILL
Prenting a child with autism
- Hi everyone, My son has autism/mr. He was diagnosed at age 3 and is now almost 17!! If I could give you any adivce, I would say NEVER,EVER give up hope for your child! Many times professionals will tell you that if your child isn't hitting certain milestones by a certain age, then he/she never will. My son is still learning and growing...I always hold hope for him! Also, don't worry about what others think of your child. The don't matter, your family unit is what matters! And lastly, make sure that you always show your child tons of love and affection. Although I had to teach my son how to hug and give a kiss, it is sooo darling still when he holds his cheek out to me for a kiss (what a teenager). Please feel free to email me with questions at any time, I have "been there, done that" and am always willing to help!! Be strong and start each day with your chin up... Sincerely, Jane
- —Guest Jane Heyman
Mother of two children with Autism
- Hi, The best advice I can give a parent that has just found out to just love your child. Treat them as if they are normal in every way. (take them to the movies don't keep them hidden at home) We have gone through alot in the last ten years. Some very hard and emotional stages. But every parent that cares about their children do. At first don't read every thing on the computer or information about Autism. There seems to be a lot of negative information. Every child is different their need are different, they learn different. Be happy with the baby steps. I mean little thinks like he is looking at the camera. Then he may smile at the camera next.
- —Guest Robin Barke
Nephew has Autstim Specturm
- My Nephew was diagnosised about three weeks ago at the age of 2. He is not talking just babbling but is attending one on one therapys and has improved. He is still not talking but is making more eye contact with us and allowing us to enter into his world. He do a lot of floor time and what a difference it has made.
- —Guest Cynthia
new to this
- my son is almost three and was given a diagnosis of autism just days ago . in my heart i knew there was something different about my son , he never spoke only babbled which wasnt all that strange at first but as he got older and still never said mama i knew it was a problem , but when we went for the screening and they told us our son is autistic , it hit hard . i have mixed emotions about it , i have no idea wht to do , where do i go from here , how am i going to afford the things he is going to need ? there are so many questions and noone with answers . i just need to know what to do from this point . someone help please
- —natesmom2094
I don't know what I am doing
- I have a six year old son that was digonsed with autism in jan of this year and I have had a hard time dealing with it since I don't know what i am doing or what i am suppose to do and I have noone to help me with this i also have 3 older children that don't understand what is going on with my son does any one have any tips that could help me out. I would really aprieate it Thank you so much. IONA
- —Iona09
new to autism
- hi erin,you are allready on the right track,you have to continue one on one therapys to develop skills and concepts in your child,meanwhile dont discuss your worries,feelings with anyone who knows nothing about autism,that will only add up to your tensions,please join a autism support group soon, i have a blog which you can log in with''padma-supportswithpracticaltips.blogspot.com'' .you may find it useful
- —Guest padmar58@rediffmail.com
Life with Autstim Spectrum Disorders
- Hi Erin, my son was about 26 months old when I was given the diagnosis of him having PDD-NOS, on the Autism Spectrum. It is quite a shock when you first get that diagnosis. Afterwards, how you deal with it is how your life will be. You have to remember most people do not really know what Autism is, I still think even science and professionals do not have a total grasp on it. Each child is like a snowflake; they each are different and will have different symptoms. I found that my son learned many things on his own time and not to push him. He's very smart and has a written vocabulary of probably an 8 year old; he is now 43 mos old. However, he still isn't speaking. Instead of trying to conform your child to society, just try to be patient with relatives and friends who do not understand and educate them if the situation allows (ie, do not apologize for your child not saying "hi", but educate the visitors about this). I find that my love is what my son needs most :-)
- —Guest LynnMarie
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- One thing to remember, is take it day by day, breath when you can and remember your little one is doing the best they can. Your child is different and they're going to do different things than typical peers do. My son hid under tables any time people came over :) It's ok that a child does this when they're young, let them come out when they're more comfortable. Our children have much to learn and who you see them as today, that's not who they will be next year. Some days will be harder than other's, but for some odd reason we wake up to do it all over again. I tried to find a focus, and blew up one photo of my child and put it on my wall. It reminds me this child is just that, and tries so hard for all he's learning. No matter how hard today was, looking at that photo puts it al into perspective.
- —Guest Sandy
