contact suggestion for a autistic 2 year old

Coogybear said:

Hi there,

  Personally I'd be inclined to give the court a copy of your childs report. Can you get some support from an Autism Advocate?

Having two children on the spectrum myself, I suspect that 8 hours straight is too long in an unfamiliar environment for your child to cope. Both my boys struggle with new environments or even ones that are familiar, but are not their primary environment.

Have you consider two sessions at 4 hours each instead? This undoubtedly would be looked on favourably by the court as it isn't a reduction of the time spent with your childs father. This may reduce the meltdowns although If your partner doesn't witness them, it may be difficult to get your point accross. It's what's in the childs interest that matters.

As often happens with School situations, It could be that your child does not display any angst until they return home from their visit. Don't take this personally, it's just a coping strategy for the child to manage what they percieve as a stress inducing period. It's letting off steam and is quite common for those on the spectrum.

Can I make a suggestion, ref: talking. One of my boys didn't talk very much either. Prefering to grunt and point mostly. I taught him to sign and spoke to him simultainiously also encouraging him to sound out single words initially and then to string individual words together. I also had a RNID (Now known as www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk) hand signing image chart in his room to reinforce the alphabet signing. He now speaks clearly and fluently, and signs.

I'm told delayed speach is not high up on the criteria of an ASD Diagnosis, however, I've seen plenty of Children who have suffered delayed speach and go on to receive a full ASD diagnosis. Do perservere. It's exasperating and easy to give in sometimes, but may come with persistant & consistant efforts.

Ref your comment over-protective Mum. My biggest advice with regard to this is to stick with your gut feeling. If you beleive something is wrong, then it probably is. As A young mum I was talked out of all manner of behaviour exibited by my child. Had I have been more assertive, their intervention would not have come so late and valuable time would not have been lost. (One of my lads did not get support until the second year of secondary School!)

Have confidence in your own beliefs and don't be fobbed off, even by the professionals!

Good Luck

Coogybear

Thank you so much CoogyBear. 

I found all your suggestions invaluable as Iam struggling with this recent label on my LO. 

Iam going to fight on behalf of my child.....have to- No other choice.

Hi there,

  Personally I'd be inclined to give the court a copy of your childs report. Can you get some support from an Autism Advocate?

Having two children on the spectrum myself, I suspect that 8 hours straight is too long in an unfamiliar environment for your child to cope. Both my boys struggle with new environments or even ones that are familiar, but are not their primary environment.

Have you consider two sessions at 4 hours each instead? This undoubtedly would be looked on favourably by the court as it isn't a reduction of the time spent with your childs father. This may reduce the meltdowns although If your partner doesn't witness them, it may be difficult to get your point accross. It's what's in the childs interest that matters.

As often happens with School situations, It could be that your child does not display any angst until they return home from their visit. Don't take this personally, it's just a coping strategy for the child to manage what they percieve as a stress inducing period. It's letting off steam and is quite common for those on the spectrum.

Can I make a suggestion, ref: talking. One of my boys didn't talk very much either. Prefering to grunt and point mostly. I taught him to sign and spoke to him simultainiously also encouraging him to sound out single words initially and then to string individual words together. I also had a RNID (Now known as www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk) hand signing image chart in his room to reinforce the alphabet signing. He now speaks clearly and fluently, and signs.

I'm told delayed speach is not high up on the criteria of an ASD Diagnosis, however, I've seen plenty of Children who have suffered delayed speach and go on to receive a full ASD diagnosis. Do perservere. It's exasperating and easy to give in sometimes, but may come with persistant & consistant efforts.

Ref your comment over-protective Mum. My biggest advice with regard to this is to stick with your gut feeling. If you beleive something is wrong, then it probably is. As A young mum I was talked out of all manner of behaviour exibited by my child. Had I have been more assertive, their intervention would not have come so late and valuable time would not have been lost. (One of my lads did not get support until the second year of secondary School!)

Have confidence in your own beliefs and don't be fobbed off, even by the professionals!

Good Luck

Coogybear

crystal12 said:

Hi - how well does her dad understand her needs?  She is newly diagnosed + you are not together anymore so he awareness of how autism affects her may not be v g.  My son was diagnosed with autism before his 3rd birthday so I disagree that 2.1/2 is too young for a diagnosis.  Early intervention is important.  You need to tell the court about how she is, explaining about her autism. Could you video diary it to show them?  Also keep a diary?  Good luck.

Thanks- you are spot on. He feels the paediatrician is making the wrong diagnosis!! Iam keeping a diary- hope it helps.

Atypical said:

Have to disagree on the diagnosis issue. My understanding is that some kids can be diagnosed that early.  And if they already have issues, better that they are. Sure, keep an open mind that other factors might be involved, but I don't think you need more worry about that right now.

Agree though, just tell the court the pattern you have seen. Though is there any chance to talk to her dad first, even if through an intermediary? It might to be better for her to change what he is doing during the visit rather than change the time spent with him?  I'm thinking he might be taking her out visiting places that might be considered fun for kids, and maybe needs to choose calmer, quieter locations.

 

Thanks ...No idea where he take her..there is no communication between us ,and he doesnt mention anything at all via the contact book.

Hi - how well does her dad understand her needs?  She is newly diagnosed + you are not together anymore so he awareness of how autism affects her may not be v g.  My son was diagnosed with autism before his 3rd birthday so I disagree that 2.1/2 is too young for a diagnosis.  Early intervention is important.  You need to tell the court about how she is, explaining about her autism. Could you video diary it to show them?  Also keep a diary?  Good luck.

Have to disagree on the diagnosis issue. My understanding is that some kids can be diagnosed that early.  And if they already have issues, better that they are. Sure, keep an open mind that other factors might be involved, but I don't think you need more worry about that right now.

Agree though, just tell the court the pattern you have seen. Though is there any chance to talk to her dad first, even if through an intermediary? It might to be better for her to change what he is doing during the visit rather than change the time spent with him?  I'm thinking he might be taking her out visiting places that might be considered fun for kids, and maybe needs to choose calmer, quieter locations.

I think 2 1/2 is too young to be labelled with autism or any other psychiatric condition. If your ex is a **** then she may just be scared. If your issues with him have gotten as bad as the family court being involved, this indicates some major conflict... and she may just be picking up on that (autistic or not)

If her behaviour is deteriorating after she sees him and there is a clear pattern then it is probably best just to tell the truth to the court.