Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi all,
I'm new here and just wanted to say hello
I'm here as a parent of an autistic child/children (Boy nearly seven, little girl four in may, and starts school this year!) We've suspected for some time that our little boy is autistic, and just been spending lots of time trying to learn about the condition and how best to help him. Then our little girl started preschool and they spotted some signs that she is probably on the spectrum too! So we are busy trying to raise two happy and healthy autistic kids!
I was also wondering whether anyone here is seeking diagnosis for their kids, what has the journey been like so far for you? Any tips or advice in getting them the help they need, at school but also at home, where they are exhausted and suffering from sensory overload after a busy day at school?
Thanks!
Thanks Kellydeemc, love the sensory area idea! School is so stressful for them isn't it. I hope you get the diagnosis for your son soon and the help he needs to do well there. The long wait is so frustrating. All the best to you
Thanks Catlover, very helpful advice! I have been leaving my son to go off upstairs and just get under his duvet to watch things on his tablet. It does seem to calm him. That must have been difficult for you and your daughter not knowing what she was dealing with re autism/ ADHD. Thanks again for your input
thanks so much Karin, that's really helpful!
Hi loz,
im also new to the forum and have a wee boy just turned 8, whos I’ve expected was on the spectrum for some time now, we’re still awaiting diagnosis as the siting list is extremely long at the moment. School has been a massive struggle for my son. He regularly has melt downs after school almost every day. Has behavioural and learning difficulties in school as well, so that’s also something we’re seeking help and diagnosis for.
we made a sensory are in my sons room which he now goes into after school and it really helps settle him after a noisy hectic day at school.
everyday is different, we tend to just go with his flow and hope for the best as this is all new to us so we’re learning everyday.
hope they settle well at school and nursery ️
My daughter is no longer school age, but at school, while waiting for her assessment, she had some adjustments made to make the school day easier. So, I advise you to make a list of what help you think they need, and any possible issues your children might face, and then speak to the appropriate department at school, and see what they can do to help. School is a noisy place, with lots of commotion, and lots of requests. It’s usual for children ti come home overwhelmed and exhausted, and also to have meltdowns when they get in. Just give your children the space and time to shut off and wind down. Favourite places, toys or stims can help regulate.
When my daughter used to come home as a teen, I just left her to go to her room and lay on her bed, get under the covers or listen to music via headphones. Sometimes she would want to stay downstairs with me, but still in silence, maybe with her hoodie up and pulled over her face to shut the world off. When she was very young, I soon learnt that homework would never get done if I tried to get her to do it a hour after getting home. She was still too anxious and overwhelmed. I didn’t even know she was autistic then, nor did I know she had ADHD. It was a sorry state of affairs.
Hello Loz,
Welcome to this forum! Many members of this forum have school age children and will hopefully be able to give you some hints on how to deal with school anxiety. The NAS website has a page on 'starting school'. Here is the link: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/transitions/northern-ireland/starting-or-switching-school
All the best,
Karin Mod