Autism - Portland,OR

Hi my name is L.. When I see posts like this my heart breaks, I was there once.My son,Robbie is 8 he was diagnosed at 2. I am still devistated,although I do accept it. When he was diagnosed, I had alot of hope.I immediately started every service available. He is now much better, but still considered "severe."He does not speak.We try to use different forms of communication. Autism was the big diagnosis.It seems every yr. he is diagnosed with other disorders.It is hard but it will make you a stronger person dealing with it. ____@____.com Email me if u need me...

My child doesn't have autism but he has adhd and I go to a parents message board on the internet. It has alot of help, a place to vent, and gives me ideas on how to work with my child. You could try finding one for autism. I am sure there are some.

Hi J....

I know the Arc of Clark County is a great resource (if you are in the Vancouver area). There is an Autism Support Group that is held through them. The person who heads up the group is Susie and her number is ###-###-####.
If you are in the Portland area....you could Google the number for the local Arc chapter in your area (they are all over the country) and they could get you hooked up with other parents going through/have gone through the same basic feelings, questions, etc.

A. H.

Hi J...
I have a son that is almost 3 and he isn't talking yet. Both his therapists (speech & occupational) say they don't think he has autism, but I sometimes wonder. May I ask how you found out, and what led you to be tested? I am sorry that you are devastated... I have a son with multiple issues development wise, although like I said we haven't been "diagnosed" yet, we go up to OHSU next month for some testing. I do know how it feels to look at your child and think they are "different" than the others, or slower than the other kids. Either way he is mine and I love him dearly as he is, and that took me a long time to accept I guess is what I am trying to say. Its not easy for me and my son hasn't been diagnosed with anything yet. I can imagine how it is for you now that you know. I would feel good knowing that you KNOW what it is, and you can learn and research and get the help that is needed for your child and family to deal with the autism.
Good luck and I am here if you need an ear.
K.

Hello,

My son Aidan was also diagnosed about six months ago, he is now four. I also have two year old twins (one who happens to be named Sydney) and one of them has a speech delay, so I have some idea what you are going through. I would be happy to talk to you (it would be nice for me to have someone to talk to as well). If you are interested please feel free to email me at ____@____.com

Sincerely,
M.

Hi J.,

As devistating as this was to find out you will get through this and be a ten times stronger mom than you are today.

I have a good friend who has a company called Autism Answers. Her name is Shannon Raybold and her number is ###-###-####. Her website is www.autism-answer.com and her email is ____@____.com Give her a call she is WONDERFUL. I have a friend who I grew up with...her son is 5 and he too has autism. Shannon knows this and will periodically bring me info to mail her. She knows it all and worked as a teacher before her daughter came along with kids with Autism. It is her passion and she loves to help. Great resource to have!

You are strong and courageous and will get through this. You have a beautiful son who not only depends on you but loves you and although it may be hard to see right now he is so thankful for that.

Good luck to you and your family.