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Hello...

Noahsmama

Not sure where to start and hope it all makes sense. I just need some support from people who understand and have been there. My son Noah is coming up for 2. At 1 he was assessed as being severely delayed with his gross motor skills and because of toe walking got referred to physio. This lead on to orthotics and some lovely piedro boots. Anyway, due to his delay he was reassessed by the health visitor at 18 months which showed an additional delay in his social and communication areas. My hv said they would consider a referral for a child who scored over 50 and Noah scored 145. So a referral was done. During this time physio began to talk of a sensory processing disorder and with all the professionals involved the word autism was raised. He was growing more and more frustrated at not being able to communicate, he can't even point to something he needs so we were advised to use picture cues which help and nursery have taught us a few basic makaton signs which he does respond to. I'm not going in to great depth because there is so much more to it, but I just want to talk to people who have been there. We see the paediatrician on the 8th Sept. We have a referral to speech and language and the early support team. But I get so much negativity from people with children the same age. They say 'he can't be autistic, they wouldn't know at this age' etc. And I'm sure a formal diagnosis is a long way off but all I want is to help my son reach his potential, no label will change that or change how I help him. But surely if all these things have been put in place for Noah then I must seek out whatever help and support he needs. We know he has developmental delay, we know he toe walks and we know he has sensory issues. Surely helping him now is better than listening to the people who say it's stupid that I've accepted so many appointments for him :(

  • My son was diagnosed at 2.5 years old. Yes this was 15 years ago but I still went through all you are going through. I was lucky to be in a city where there was a special school for autistics so being a single parent - he got in full time from 3 - a godsend even though I thought he was too young at the time. My son is still pretty much non-verbal and repeats only a few words that I say - the pictures do help and thats what my son uses occassionally. They cant seem to process all the words in your sentence _ as the other reply said - shorten the instruction - even down to coat if you have to - Even now I say coat and shoes and he gets them. If your child was ill with a fever that you couldnt get to the bottom of - you would go for every appointment offered and get every bit of advice you could - thats all you are doing now - these comments to you are not helpful but please try to ignore everyone who is negative - go on your mum instincts and just do what you think is best for your son. (which is what you are doing)  I had people saying he would talk and even a few weeks ago someone who had just started working with an autistic person who could talk - told me they didnt think I had done enough to help his speech!!! Speech therapy throughout !!! OMG!!!! You come across people like that all the time - I had someone be jealous that I was getting disability allowance for him???????? The diagnosis does help but do what you are doing now xx

  • My son was diagnosed at 2.5 years old. Yes this was 15 years ago but I still went through all you are going through. I was lucky to be in a city where there was a special school for autistics so being a single parent - he got in full time from 3 - a godsend even though I thought he was too young at the time. My son is still pretty much non-verbal and repeats only a few words that I say - the pictures do help and thats what my son uses occassionally. They cant seem to process all the words in your sentence _ as the other reply said - shorten the instruction - even down to coat if you have to - Even now I say coat and shoes and he gets them. If your child was ill with a fever that you couldnt get to the bottom of - you would go for every appointment offered and get every bit of advice you could - thats all you are doing now - these comments to you are not helpful but please try to ignore everyone who is negative - go on your mum instincts and just do what you think is best for your son. (which is what you are doing)  I had people saying he would talk and even a few weeks ago someone who had just started working with an autistic person who could talk - told me they didnt think I had done enough to help his speech!!! Speech therapy throughout !!! OMG!!!! You come across people like that all the time - I had someone be jealous that I was getting disability allowance for him???????? The diagnosis does help but do what you are doing now xx

  • Hi - welcome Smile.  Try to take no notice of people who don't know what they're talking about, such as these parents.  Perhaps some of them don't even want to think about/discuss autism, esp if they have children of a similar age.  People can have such a wide variety of reactions, whether they be family, friends, whatever.    Of course you have to do the best for your son, so carry on with the assessment, then you'll know 1 way or the other whether he's autistic or not.  If he is then he'll have been diagnosed at an early age. This means he can get help earlier, which is a good thing.  Does he understand single words, short phrases?  You can build up an understanding.  Eg:  I wd stand with my son at the coat rack + ask I'd reach for his coat I'd say "get your coat".  That sort of thing.  I presume when you sign you also say the word that goes with it, such as "tea", "milk".  You are absolutely not doing anything that is stupid, you are being a responsible, caring parent.  Good luck with everything - let us know how you get on.  Posters are always willing to help etc.