Just Diagnosed

Our son Adam was recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum. This isn't necessarily a daunting situation for us as our older son was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at around the age of 8. We kind of know the territory but things are a little different this time around--obviously, we're dealing with two very different little people. Our older son isn't so little--he's 22 now. So part of this for me is being an older parent (I'll be 55 next year--Adam will be 3). It's a little overwhelming as I deal with the fears of not being there for Adam as he gets older, tho I hope to be as long as possible. Adam is a beautiful little boy--very gentle and sweet. He has already reached many of the physical and behavioural milestones for his age but struggles with verbal communication. He is a little chatterbox tho much of his verbalization at this point is echoing. Pronunciation is difficult for him. He loves me reading to him and playing simple stacking and sorting games. He also loves music and has started his first little efforts to sing. My wife and I don't go into this with negative expectations--our older son gradutated from high school with a fully-qualifed diploma and attended 2 years of college before training to be a mechanic. We had been told that he would never learn math or English. We don't believe diagnoses as limitations, tho we do accept that there are challenges ahead. It takes alot of work, nurturing and understanding of children with autism as individuals.

Hello drone, and welcome. No need to shout, we can hear you perfectly fine.

Interesting that you put autistic in commas...

You're in a very good place to find out all about yourself, and there are plenty of us with late diagnosis so don't worry about being so young LOL!

Seriously, I guess you've got some revelations to come - it was like that for me, but we do try to make each other feel comforted and supported, we 'get' you, we'll listen to you, and there's nothing you can come up with that will surprise any of us, although it's fair to say that it might be you who gets the surprises. Hope so anyway, the best surprise is to discover that you've got a community here. Nice.

Remember, you are anonymous, so free to speak, but do try to be vareful about giving personal details away yjay might help identify you. Don't obsess over it - if you're unsure, ask first and we'll do our best to guide you.

There are no taboo subjects really, just say it like it is for you and we'll understand. Other than that, you'll probably find that as you chat on here you'll discover yourself jusy because of being here.

Welcome again, always good to have a new chum on board