Hi all, first post, so please be gentle!
My son is 8 years old. Since he was pretty little, he has always had his challenges. He's always been naughtier than other kids, a bit more manic, over the top in the way he interacts with people. We generally put this down to his being immature (he's an end of August baby), in comparison with his peers. At infants, he was bullied by a group of boys, but his unusual reaction (reasoning with them, seeking them out, getting retaliation in first) meant it wasn't picked up for several months. As he grew older, the behaviours cemented somewhat- and when asked why he was being silly/ naughty, he would say that he found it hard to listen to his brain.
Fortunately, my wife is a teacher at an SEN unit, and works with autistic kids alot. She began to suspect a couple of years ago. We had not really considered autism before, as he is so outgoing and loves interacting with people. So we began the diagnosis process, flagging with school and local services. It's taken this long to get to the formal diagnosis, and it's been hard at times, but we are there now.
I always thought that I was ok with it, as for me as much as anything it explains him, and gives us a disorder that ties up all the odd things about him. it's also a relief to have the diagnosis for the same reason, and also because it will open more doors in terms of what help we can access for him. At the same time, though, I find myself going through the sort of mourning for some of the 'normal' life experiences that I had that he is unlikely to. There is also the spectre of stigma lurking out there too, as for any kid who is different, I suppose.
So what was the point of that? I'm not quite sure, but it feels good to have go it out there. For clarity, our son is high functioning, what would have been classed as Asperger's in old money.
Thanks!
Alex.
