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Help!

Foofighter

Hi all, I'm mum to a newly diagnosed nearly 5 year old boy and feeling pretty overwhelmed. I'm trying to understand what autism is and how best to help my son in what seems to be a scary and confusing world. Does anyone have any recommendations for any particular literature/sites etc? Ideally something which is in plain English/laymans terms please! 

We've had a few meltdowns of late due to last minute changes of my work schedule as well some very scary moments thanks to his latest fixation with car logos. In a nutshell I'd hugely appreciate information/advice/common sense on life with an autistic child.

thanks in advance!

Parents

  • Hi Foofighter, 

    First of all welcome. Secondly, take a deep breath and exhale gently. For most the diagnosis of a child can be a scary thing, so many questions, so many factors to consider.

    Your first step, which I must congratulate you on, is that you have found an excellent site. It took me many years to pluck up the courage to find this site and many more to commune with others. Much of what you need is here and if you prefer to address the forum their are many willing to share their experiences and offer support.

    ASD is a spectrum disorder. Roughly translated this means that each presentation is unique to that individual. Because of the nature of such a condition (it doesn't come with a handbook) You will find that each person has to find what works for them best. I have two sons with ASD and they each present in very different ways. What works for one, may not work for the other.

    The best advice I can give is to first take care of your own health. Caring for a child on the Spectrum can be tiring and it's easy for parents to neglect their own health. As for book their are many. Tony Attwood has a few published and is well recognized as an expert although I confess that some of his books can be a heavy read. (For me that is!) Aspergers Syndrome 'A guide for parents and professionals' may be a good starting point, however he also does have some short videos on Youtube.

    www.youtube.com/watch

    Just as an example, This video is mainly about adults by the way, but it gives some helpful info.

    ASD has many faces and you will come to terms with each challenge as they occur. My best advice would be to always go with your gut feeling. If one method doesn't work, try it again, but maybe in a different way or setting. Find what is right for your child. My final piece of advice would be to enjoy your son and celebrate what he is good at. So many of us can be bogged down with labels or behaviours and forget that we have very unique and special children who are capable of great things given the right support and care.

    I hope my rambling hasn't come accross as patronizing and wish you all the best. If their is something specific I can help with i'd be only too pleased.

    Kind Regards

    Coogybear xx

Reply

  • Hi Foofighter, 

    First of all welcome. Secondly, take a deep breath and exhale gently. For most the diagnosis of a child can be a scary thing, so many questions, so many factors to consider.

    Your first step, which I must congratulate you on, is that you have found an excellent site. It took me many years to pluck up the courage to find this site and many more to commune with others. Much of what you need is here and if you prefer to address the forum their are many willing to share their experiences and offer support.

    ASD is a spectrum disorder. Roughly translated this means that each presentation is unique to that individual. Because of the nature of such a condition (it doesn't come with a handbook) You will find that each person has to find what works for them best. I have two sons with ASD and they each present in very different ways. What works for one, may not work for the other.

    The best advice I can give is to first take care of your own health. Caring for a child on the Spectrum can be tiring and it's easy for parents to neglect their own health. As for book their are many. Tony Attwood has a few published and is well recognized as an expert although I confess that some of his books can be a heavy read. (For me that is!) Aspergers Syndrome 'A guide for parents and professionals' may be a good starting point, however he also does have some short videos on Youtube.

    www.youtube.com/watch

    Just as an example, This video is mainly about adults by the way, but it gives some helpful info.

    ASD has many faces and you will come to terms with each challenge as they occur. My best advice would be to always go with your gut feeling. If one method doesn't work, try it again, but maybe in a different way or setting. Find what is right for your child. My final piece of advice would be to enjoy your son and celebrate what he is good at. So many of us can be bogged down with labels or behaviours and forget that we have very unique and special children who are capable of great things given the right support and care.

    I hope my rambling hasn't come accross as patronizing and wish you all the best. If their is something specific I can help with i'd be only too pleased.

    Kind Regards

    Coogybear xx

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