Published on 12, July, 2020
So, I have just come across this site after looking for more information on autism. I am a 34 year old mum to 7 year old twins (boy and girl) who are my absolute everything. Both my kids are now considered autistic but we are still waiting on a diagnosis and have been waiting for 3 years. We have with the schools help come to terms that my daughter is autistic and the school have been fab to try and get a diagnosis. I finally had a speech and language assessment for both of them last week and found out then that my son is autistic too. It felt like a bit of a smack in the face. Deep down I had a feeling that he was but as he didnt show the same signs as my daughter does, which are extreme, I kind of pushed it to the back of my mind. When I got told I felt pure guilt. Why??? I felt and still do feel like I have neglected him a bit when it comes to maybe seeing the signs as I have been so busy with my daughter and it has been so much hard work I think I made myself believe that having one 'normal child who supports his sister was what I could handle. At the moment I feel like I can't handle all this by myself. Their dad who lives with us has still not taken to autism and keeps telling them off for their little kinks (thats what we call them). I work nights so i can be there for both kids during the day and i am not sleeping coz all i am worried about what their life is going to be like having to live wih autism as all.i have ever heard is horror stories so am really looking for some inspirational people who have deat with this and can maybe explain to me.how I am supposed to cope with this and the worry about what' going to happen to them coz I want the best for my babies and I do everything I can to make sure that they have the best life possible. Thank you for letting me go on a bit.x
Hi NAS35092,
I'm sorry to hear about the situation that you are currently going through with your twins, and hope that you are doing ok.
If you would like to receive support, it might be worth searching for services in your area on the Autism Services Directory: www.autismdirectory.org.uk This includes services such as: support groups, social groups, advocacy, befriending, residential settings, outreach and respite.
You may also want to contact your local social services, if you are not already receiving help from them. Please take a look at the following articles for further information on getting help from Social Services:
(Child England and Wales)
www.autism.org.uk/17378
(Child and Adult Scotland)
http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/benefits-and-community-care/care-and-benefits-for-parents-and-carers/care-support-for-children-with-autism/social-services-getting-help-for-children-and-adults-scotland.aspx
Services provided by the National Autistic Society may also help, you can read more here:
www.autism.org.uk/en-gb/our-services.aspx
Our Autism Helpline may also be able to help. Advisers can talk through the different types of support and search for services in your area, if you would like to call. They may also be able to discuss other autism related issues with you.
The Helpline is open Monday to Thursday 10am – 4pm and Friday 9am – 3pm on 0808 800 4104.
Please see the following link for further information:
http://www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/main/contact.aspx
Best wishes,
Nellie-Mod