Newly diagnosed son, worried parent

Hi hun.  I know exactly where you are coming from.  That was exactly what I was like when my son was diagnosed just before his 2nd birthday.  It was the hardest thing I had to do.  I fought to get him diagnosed so we could get help for him, then when he was diagnosed I fought against it.

We got him a statement as he was struggling to cope in mainstream school, again that was so hard to send him off on a school bus with strangers to a special needs school at 4 year old with staff we had never met.

So I have been through the same as you and its not easy but you will do it, and you will become stronger and stronger.  Dont feel guilty, its lovely that you both care so much.  It took me years to come to terms with his diagnosis and I cried so much.  Again theres nothing wrong with that.

I think an Early Bird course will help you understand a bit more about the diagnosis.  But every child is different so dont think your son will be everything they may say.  He may have some traits but not others.

I know how hard it is but I think you are doing the right thing getting a EHCP for him.  Dont forget how strong you are to be able to do this to help him.  I was told by someone that it takes a strong person to admit their child may have certain difficulties.

My son is 9 now and has been in a specialist school since since 4 year old.  Although it was very difficult it was the right thing to do and he copes so much better in this environment where staff are trained to help and support him.  Your son should have access to a speech therapist also.

Keep saying words to him all the time and Im sure he will eventually repeat them and his speech will grow and grow.  Unfortunately its little steps but every step will be a huge achievement.

I would also say try not to read everything about autism all the time.  I did that and drove myself mad as it consumed my life. Try to do things without thinking or talking about the autism aswell to give yourselves a break from it.

My counsellor told me "life is different and it wont ever be the same again - but thats okay".  She told me that as I compared my son being diagnosed to a grieving process.

I promise you will both get stronger and remember to enjoy him every day.  He is an amazing, clever little boy.

I hope I have helped a little.  Just try and take one day at a time and dont look too far ahead.

Sending you all loads of love and strength. If you want to ask me anything please do so. Xxx

Hi hun.  I know exactly where you are coming from.  That was exactly what I was like when my son was diagnosed just before his 2nd birthday.  It was the hardest thing I had to do.  I fought to get him diagnosed so we could get help for him, then when he was diagnosed I fought against it.

We got him a statement as he was struggling to cope in mainstream school, again that was so hard to send him off on a school bus with strangers to a special needs school at 4 year old with staff we had never met.

So I have been through the same as you and its not easy but you will do it, and you will become stronger and stronger.  Dont feel guilty, its lovely that you both care so much.  It took me years to come to terms with his diagnosis and I cried so much.  Again theres nothing wrong with that.

I think an Early Bird course will help you understand a bit more about the diagnosis.  But every child is different so dont think your son will be everything they may say.  He may have some traits but not others.

I know how hard it is but I think you are doing the right thing getting a EHCP for him.  Dont forget how strong you are to be able to do this to help him.  I was told by someone that it takes a strong person to admit their child may have certain difficulties.

My son is 9 now and has been in a specialist school since since 4 year old.  Although it was very difficult it was the right thing to do and he copes so much better in this environment where staff are trained to help and support him.  Your son should have access to a speech therapist also.

Keep saying words to him all the time and Im sure he will eventually repeat them and his speech will grow and grow.  Unfortunately its little steps but every step will be a huge achievement.

I would also say try not to read everything about autism all the time.  I did that and drove myself mad as it consumed my life. Try to do things without thinking or talking about the autism aswell to give yourselves a break from it.

My counsellor told me "life is different and it wont ever be the same again - but thats okay".  She told me that as I compared my son being diagnosed to a grieving process.

I promise you will both get stronger and remember to enjoy him every day.  He is an amazing, clever little boy.

I hope I have helped a little.  Just try and take one day at a time and dont look too far ahead.

Sending you all loads of love and strength. If you want to ask me anything please do so. Xxx

Hey, thanks for replying to me. It is very helpful and comforting to know I am not alone in how I am feeling. It’s a great to hear that it does get easier with time.  As you said I do feel like I am going through a grieving process but I glad to know that this is some what normal. I feel very catch up with my son being able to talk at the moment, and I try not to put to much pressure on him to speak. He is able to repeat words back to me and does know lots of single words. Any tips on helping improve his communication further? Any groups you could recommend? 

xx