Autism

Mg6, I cant say that I'm an expert on this... My boys are 18 and 19 now. It can be a challenge to find out what support there is and this does tend to depend on where you live. But do persevere, and I'm sure you will find something. Each child with ASC will be very different and as such have different needs. Support ranges from special schools, mainstream schools with communication and interaction teams, educational psychologists, befrienders, enablers, local parent groups etc etc.

There is quite a good facebook page with posts - Autism discussion page - Bil Nason has written a couple of books.

You need to discover what is available in your area. See if you can find something that your daughter enjoys and use that as a springboard to help her develop. Encourage any strong interests. People with ASC often have great ideas/thoughts in their heads! Spend time with animals?

I have learnt to remember that if plan A fails, there are 25 other letters of the alphabet. I often have a plan A,B C or D, where D is that my boys have a loving home and a roof over their heads. When we are having a bad day, I remember that. 

I have learnt to trust your instincts but also listen to advice. Also it is important to find the right school, but more important to have a particular person at that school who you can contact when the need arises. Communication is very important.

I have learnt to wait and not to push. They will do things in their own time. And that's ok. 

I have learnt not to spend too much time with friends who like to promote their own children's successes. 

I have learnt that they need personal space and quiet time much more that the average child.

How do I cope? I go running for miles and miles but thats just me. Make sure you have regular time for yourself each week and also make sure that you have time for any other relationships eg partner/other children.

Always have something to look forward to, even if it just a cup of tea....

I'm on a roll now but shall stop otherwise it gets boring!

Mg6, I cant say that I'm an expert on this... My boys are 18 and 19 now. It can be a challenge to find out what support there is and this does tend to depend on where you live. But do persevere, and I'm sure you will find something. Each child with ASC will be very different and as such have different needs. Support ranges from special schools, mainstream schools with communication and interaction teams, educational psychologists, befrienders, enablers, local parent groups etc etc.

There is quite a good facebook page with posts - Autism discussion page - Bil Nason has written a couple of books.

You need to discover what is available in your area. See if you can find something that your daughter enjoys and use that as a springboard to help her develop. Encourage any strong interests. People with ASC often have great ideas/thoughts in their heads! Spend time with animals?

I have learnt to remember that if plan A fails, there are 25 other letters of the alphabet. I often have a plan A,B C or D, where D is that my boys have a loving home and a roof over their heads. When we are having a bad day, I remember that. 

I have learnt to trust your instincts but also listen to advice. Also it is important to find the right school, but more important to have a particular person at that school who you can contact when the need arises. Communication is very important.

I have learnt to wait and not to push. They will do things in their own time. And that's ok. 

I have learnt not to spend too much time with friends who like to promote their own children's successes. 

I have learnt that they need personal space and quiet time much more that the average child.

How do I cope? I go running for miles and miles but thats just me. Make sure you have regular time for yourself each week and also make sure that you have time for any other relationships eg partner/other children.

Always have something to look forward to, even if it just a cup of tea....

I'm on a roll now but shall stop otherwise it gets boring!