I am in search of advice and emotional support. My three 1/2 year old presents autistic characteristics.
Make sure you get everything your child is legally entitled to through the school system. Learn about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title 504 to the Rehabilitaion act of 1973. These federal laws entitle your child to a free appropriate public education. Sometimes your child may need a lot of services to have the best chance for success. Usually there are more services your child is entitled to than you know about. Call the TASK office in Anaheim and find out about classes being held. They also offer classes in San Bernardino.
Although not as pervasive a disorder as autism, my daughter was also diagnosed with a disability and I used to wonder how she would be able to lead a normal life. Now she is getting mostly A's and is at the top of some of her classes! The amount of time spent on this child is mindboggling. There have been a lot of times we have both just broken down in tears. Collaboration with a competent resource teacher and other professionals is key. You all need to be working confidently together to reach goals that you set for your child. Write to me if you need anything and I will do my best. Jan
Cecilia,
There are many variations of autism and many degrees of severity. The fact that your child functions well in a special pre=k setting bodes well for his future. My cousin is an autistic high schooler, now in regular education with some support and leading a very "normal" teenage life.
Here are a few websites with a great many online support groups and info:
http://www.childrensdisabilities.info/autism/groups-autism-asperger.html
http://groups.msn.com/TheAutismHomePage/parentsupportgroups.msnw
http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/ajk/supp.html
http://www.talkaboutcuringautism.org/about_taca/groups_location.htm
http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/chloesmom32
Good luck and hang in there...
Hi, you could take your son to any childrens hospital for a free diagnose to make sure... i have worked with special children , but now retired..sincerley Anna
[email protected]. great group for support and information.
relax! first of all have him professionally tested. See how severe it is. the fact that he is making progress is excellent.there are all kinds of support groups out there. join one so you can learna bout your resources and find friendship and comfort with other moms of autistic children.
Here's a link to the Autism Research Institute's webite for families living with Autism. I went to college with a woman whose ECE specialty was autism. She was frustrated with encountering several parents who refused to accept that their child(ren) had autism. You're a strong woman to accept your child's issue and want to learn about it and seek support. Good luck to you!
Hi Cecilia: Have you had your son checked by a neurologist? If not, please don't self diagnose. There are other things it might be. My grandsons are both late talkers and have exhibited some symptoms that caused us worry about autism. They were both checked by experts and our fears were unfounded. The older boy is now 6, in kindergarten, bright, loving and talking well. The 2 year old is still not speaking but a few words but doing well otherwise. Have your son evaluated. Don't take the word of just anyone. Be sure it is a doctor who specializes in this area. If he is autistic, there are many different levels in the spectrum. Get a definite diagnosis and then, if necessary, get him the help he will need.
All the best to you, Mary
Hi Cecilia:
I suggest you go to the website "naet.com" and order the book "Say Good-bye to Allergy-related Autism." If you decide to pursue treatment, you can find an NAET certified doctor through the website. I (and 2 of my grand children) go to Dr. David Karaba for other allergy related treatment (freedom) in Fullerton and absolutely love him. His phone number is 714 871-7118. If you want to do further research, you can also visit narfnet.com. Here's the information on the book:
Say Good-bye to Allergy-related Autism
By - Devi S. Nambudripad, M.D., D.C., L.Ac., Ph.D.
This book discusses about a drug-free solution for allergy-related autism using Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAET®). In Say Good-bye to Allergy–related autism, Dr. Nambudripad, the developer of NAET®, helps the reader explore the truth behind most cases of allergy-based autism spectrum disorders-the most frightening epidemic attacking one out of one hundred and sixty-six children before the age of three today. This book provides useful, practical, effective solutions to help autistic children and their families. She explains how allergies are often the underlying causes to autistic disorders and how NAET® testing procedures and NAET® treatments can offer relief from their allergies and these allergy-based disorders. This book also explains the theoretical basis for her technique and provides true testimonials and fascinating case histories of autistic patients who have been treated successfully with NAET®. Dr. Nambudripad also discusses the transformation of autistic children as they become productive while going through NAET® treatments. She also shares results of two autism studies conducted using NAET®. It is encouraging for the parents of autistic children to learn about the recent (2005) NAET® autism study using 30 subjects in the treatment group and 30 subjects in the control group, where 23 out of 26 children from the treatment group significantly improved to the point that these children were able to remove the label of autism and attend regular school and normal activities, just after completing NAET® treatments for 50 allergen groups, within the span of 12 months. The book is filled with encouraging, educating and exciting testimonials from the satisfied and happy parents about their journey through the rocky road and their horizons.
Cecilia,
Don't despare. I grew up with a brother who has autism and it was the most enriching experience of my whole life. Things will be different, but not necessarily worse. Keep a positive mindset. Expect the best! I know many people with autism and many have grown up to be great communicators, public speakers, film producers, etc. Don't worry. Even if he doesn't achieve those heights, as my own brother has not, there is something that he has power to do, even if it is just teach you and your family to have strength and be unified. I know it's a different destination than you imagined when you first left on the journey of parenthood, but enjoy the scenery at this new place whenever you can. Get support. Have friends and family give you a break when you need it. And be there to encourage all your children however they individually need your support. Check out my website: www.abilityawareness.com. And be in touch. I wish you a life filled with great possibilities for you and your son!
Diana :o)
GET EARLY INTERVENTION THROUGH YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT!! And, do it as soon as possible. Some school districts have wonderful programs that will help your child develop and blossom into a very well-functioning person. Good luck!!
For the past 8 years I have been working with children with Autism. I started with a private agency and am now working for a school district. I have taught elementary and preschool and I have to say that early intervention is the KEY! Good for you for being such an advocate for your child. Research has shown that childern who get early intervention (preschool) have better outcomes.
I myself have a daughter who is 4 and has Autism. I live in Southern California and she was diagnosed at a little over 2. She also attends Special Ed pre-school and is doing better. She now has about 70 word approximations. You need to get involved with your local Autism Society and Regional Center. They have been a great help to me and my Daughter. The Regional Center currently has her in a Aggression Therapy program 3 days a week and we are making some progress. You have to look at progress as Baby steps. Nothing happens quickly with Autistic children. Look for organizations like Autism Speaks. They are on line and can be very helpful. Be very open about his condition. I know it is hard to go anywhere because of behavioral problems (at least with mine) But if people stair tell them he has Autism and isn't being bad. Just keep trudging and knowing that they can improve just takes a lot of time depending on how severe the Autism is. Remember to love them and know they love you even if they cant verbalize it. Kathy in California.
Hi!
If you live in the Las Vegas area, try looking into F.E.A.T. which is a parent support organization for parents of autistic children....here's the website address:
http://www.featsonv.org/! Hope this is of some help!
:)>, Sheila
Have you had him evaluated by the school district...they do free evaulations for speech and other things and then if he qualifies..he can get free day care and speech.....early intervention is key. I believe it is called Child find ..but I could be wrong. if you ahve any questions contact me...Angela
Hi Cecilia F:
My advice to you is to go the the regional center in your area. If you're in San Diego, they're in Ruffin Rd. They are a quasi-state run department for developmental disabled children. They can provide the testing that is needed and if your son is autistic and assist you with referrals to school programs. If that doesn't work out, try UCSD, they are doing research on autism. Or speak with your doctor who can refer you as well.
My son is now 25 years old and is living with us. He does not speak but uses his Franklin speller to communicate with us. While it was hard growing up for all, we will forever be greatful for all assistance that we've received from all the programs we've gone through.
Good luck to you!
Alan's mom
Cecilia -
My son is now 10 and we have made amazing progress - he was non-verbal and used to smear his poop at 3 and now he talks about wanting to be a zoo keeper and tells me how he feels about life. There is much that you can do to help your child.
Please look at this website - this is a non-profit group made up of parents of children with autism who are reaching out to help other parents. www.tacanow.org - there is a TON of info and also there are support group meetings and a supportive email Yahoo group you can connect with if you don't live near a meeting location.
Take care - contact me if you need to and remember, there is hope.
Moira
[email protected]
Hi Cecilia,
Has he actually been diagnosed by a professional? Of course, that is the first step. Find a specialist to evaluate him ASAP. Sounds like the new preschool is helping. Do you know about Discovery Toys? We have excellent educational and developmental products and have a special focus on autism. If you go to my website: www.Tina4Toys.com and then to the Autism section, there are Life Stories from other moms, information, and other resources that might be helpful to you. If you need any other guidance, please feel free to get in touch. Tina 949-581-7621
Hi Cecilia,
First of all, empathize with yourself. You're doing the best you can. Second, have him professionally diagnosed. My daughter was diagnosed early and we had services through the school district, services through the Regional Center, private services and things I did with her on my own after doing alot of research and getting alot of support from my family. My daughter is 8 now. She is a world away from the 2 year old that would spin, stim, rock back and fourth, had echolalia and a very substantial speech delay by the time she was four. Early intervention is the key. From 2 to 6 she had therapies, school, social skills classes, speech therapy, chiropracter visits, one-to-one play dates with neuro-typical children, pshychotherapy, etc. Our day began at 7AM and ended at 8PM. It's been getting less hectic. Our day now ends at 5PM. She still has alot of therapies. Only now she has friends. She is happy. The key, in my experience, was agressive early intervention and taking care of myself...so that I could take care of her. Get supports. Get an evaluation through the Regional Center or school district. If you can afford a private one, that's the best case scenario. UCLA or UC Irvine, have great evaluative programs. Hang in there. It's overwhelming at first. I remember being very afraid for her future when she was very young but I am so happy about where she is now. I feel like she's been given alot of tools and I know that they will help her in life.
Take Care,
:-)
Nez
Hi Cecilia! First, let me tell you that I admire your courage and insight in addressing the needs of your son. I know some moms who are in denial about their children's needs and the child then misses out on important early interventions.
Having your son in a special pre-K is great! It starts him early with socializing and getting the small group/teacher experience that will help him. I have also heard great things about changing your child's diet to include gluten free foods (I think it's Jenny McCarthy's book- don't know the name).
Doing further research and talking to your son's teachers can give you strategies at home to help. I think that your son can only benefit from having consistent reinforcement from school and home.
Lastly, I want to say that at the end of the day, we can only make do with what is laid out in front of us. In other words, we have to play the cards we are dealt. Having a loving and caring heart, an educated mind, and an army of resourceful and dedicated support will help you and your little one immensely. It already sounds like you are doing the right things. Best wishes to you and may you take each day as it comes. Noone can know what the future may hold for any of us, so it's wise to live in the moment and not dwell on what could be.
My best...