Poor Little Guy - What Can I Do?

Updated on April 23, 2013
P.G. asks from San Antonio, TX
6 answers

Hi Moms. My just turned 6 year old had his first "real" dentist appointment yesterday (no cavities - yay) after school. He got confused about when I was picking him up and apparently cried during lunch "because he missed me", and again when school was over before I picked him up. He was really sad, but got over it quickly. The dentist went totally fine and smooth. He did fall asleep in the car on the way home (which was a surprise), but was ok for the rest of the day.

Today he had a field trip to the zoo. I was not able to go - he did want me to, but I told him several times I wasn't going to be there, talked to him about it a bit when he brought it up. I made up a social story so he would visually understand what the rules were for the field trip (he is VERY high functioning autism). He seemed good to go. Slept well, woke up before he had to, got dressed, happy with his lunchables, etc.

But I got an e-mail later today about the crying. He cried for most of the trip, again "because he missed me". That's when I found out about the crying all recess yesterday. This is very out of character for him. He does say "I'll miss you" when I go to work out sometimes, but no tears, nothing like that.

We both have the sniffles - not sure if he's fighting something, or if I overloaded him with the dentist and field trip in one week. Any ideas mamas? I'm hoping he'll bounce back. Since he's on the spectrum, do you think I may have to do the field trips with him? I'm just a bit worried but don't want to be a helicopter mom.

Thanks!

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C.B.

answers from San Francisco on

Get the book "The Kissing Hand". It's a children's story about a baby raccoon who was afraid to leave his mom and go to school.

I bought it and after reading it, my oldest GD had to be hospitalized in a behavioral health hospital. She was 11 and this was the FIRST time she was away from family. She was sooooo scared. Before I left the hospital the first night, I told her the story, kissed her hand and left. The next day, the nurses told me that they had noticed her rubbing her hand on her cheek and then smiling. She had done well all day! It was the story.

Good luck to your little guy. I think the book will really help him.

6 moms found this helpful

M.D.

answers from Dallas on

That makes me sad just reading it. There could be a number of things going on with him. Mostly, he misses his mommy. Plus you are right, he had a lot of things happen this week out of the norm. I will admit, I don't know a lot about autism, but what I do know, is that children feel more secure with the same routine. So that could have caused a little more anxiety for him. I know when my little ones were getting sick, they just wanted their mommy, so maybe the sniffles means he catching a bug too.

Hang in there momma, give him a big hug tonight!

4 moms found this helpful
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B..

answers from Dallas on

I have a friend with her youngest with HFA and I would bet she would say it was too much in a week. Not your fault but he may have more limits than you expected. Does he have a watch? It might help to know what the number is when you are going to be there.

4 moms found this helpful
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P.K.

answers from New York on

Dentist and field trip were probably a bit much for him. Just reassure him and I think before you know it he will be back to his sweet self. Kudos to you for not wanting to be a helicopter Mom. I remember once when my daughter was six, I went a different way to the store. Holy cow. I wrecked her day. Now this was 30 years ago so there was no spectrum. She had severe learning issues/ sensory issues. I finally realized what her world was like when I walked into a chain grocery store. It was laid out completely opposite of the one I was used to!!!'i could not think straight! LOL. Today my daughter is an licensed EMT, volunteer firefighter and an
Operating room surgical tech. Just give him lots of hugs and cuddles.

3 moms found this helpful
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C.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

No Autism, but my 7 year old had a busy weekend with a figure skating test on Saturday, a figure skating competition on Sunday, and a hockey game on Monday.

Monday before she went on the ice, she just wanted to hold me and again today.

I will guess they are just tired and need comfort. I actually slept with her Saturday night.

3 moms found this helpful

T.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Aw, poor guy, just sounds like a stressful week. We ALL have them sometimes, right?
It sounds like anxiety, probably caused by some new experiences (maybe being worried about the dentist, going on a field trip without you.)
I applaud you for not wanting to "helicopter" and I imagine he will be fine once he gets back into his normal routine.
Of course I don't have ANY experience with autism, so you should take my advice accordingly :-)

3 moms found this helpful
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