New to autism and learning

Hi Skye,

This may be a bit late in coming but I hope it will give you some encouragement.  Our boy was diagnosed at 3yrs old and he did many of the things which you describe your daughter as doing (eye thing, flapping, spinning etc).  Our lives were a misery, not having any control over our child, being stuck in the house unable to go into our own garden, unable to dress him, wash him, play with him. Meal times were hell. He didn't speak, just screamed at us, and the few words he had at 18months were gone. I cannot believe how bad things were when I look back. We were all at breaking point. 18 months on, and he is completely different. He still has issues but the progess he has made is so encouraging. He can now speak to us and although alot of it is wrong or just ramblings, he makes progress everyday and we are getting to understand him more and more.  His behavior is still a bit odd, but daily activities (eating, washing dressing playing etc) are all achievable now, without too much fuss. We are able to say "NO" and he understands when he has done something wrong.  He has a sense of humour and is actually fun to be with. All this in 18 months. He has had a good deal of intervention (therapies and groups) and maybe some of his progress is simply maturity.  I did want to try casein/gluten free but his pediatrician said not to bother.  However, he seemed to be getting quite chunky so I reduced his milk intake as he would have it for drinks thoughout the day. He really only has milk in his breakfast cereal and yoghurts/cheese now. Whether this also has effected his behaviour too, who can say. Good luck with your little girl. When I read what you wrote I recognised those feelings of desperation and confusion.  Hang in there.  You have to for your little girls sake. Best wishes.

Hi Skye,

This may be a bit late in coming but I hope it will give you some encouragement.  Our boy was diagnosed at 3yrs old and he did many of the things which you describe your daughter as doing (eye thing, flapping, spinning etc).  Our lives were a misery, not having any control over our child, being stuck in the house unable to go into our own garden, unable to dress him, wash him, play with him. Meal times were hell. He didn't speak, just screamed at us, and the few words he had at 18months were gone. I cannot believe how bad things were when I look back. We were all at breaking point. 18 months on, and he is completely different. He still has issues but the progess he has made is so encouraging. He can now speak to us and although alot of it is wrong or just ramblings, he makes progress everyday and we are getting to understand him more and more.  His behavior is still a bit odd, but daily activities (eating, washing dressing playing etc) are all achievable now, without too much fuss. We are able to say "NO" and he understands when he has done something wrong.  He has a sense of humour and is actually fun to be with. All this in 18 months. He has had a good deal of intervention (therapies and groups) and maybe some of his progress is simply maturity.  I did want to try casein/gluten free but his pediatrician said not to bother.  However, he seemed to be getting quite chunky so I reduced his milk intake as he would have it for drinks thoughout the day. He really only has milk in his breakfast cereal and yoghurts/cheese now. Whether this also has effected his behaviour too, who can say. Good luck with your little girl. When I read what you wrote I recognised those feelings of desperation and confusion.  Hang in there.  You have to for your little girls sake. Best wishes.