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Is there any hope?

Forestfriend

My little boy was diagnosed a few months back at age 2.5.  It was no surprise to me, but I kind of thought it might be fairly mild.  He didnt stim really, only lining up toys, a bit of toe walkinG. So I thought it couldn't be very severe. But last few months, he does everything going flapping hands, hyper giggling, running in circles, jumping , grinding teeth and muttering "didah".  The one thing paed said that stays in my mind was that when I see him next things will be better.  At the moment I can't see any improvements in that time, and the appointment is in 6 weeks time! I just cant imagine things getting any better because everything has stayed the same so long.....just no progress..... Kind of losing hope.  He is now nearly 3, stimmimg, lining up, echolalia, repeats words but has no intention behind words, empties boxes on floor all the time, no imaginary play.  Just about can ask for TV or snack using one word sentence. Is there anyone else out there who has experienced similar, but eventually seen some progress.  I'm starting to think this is it, he wont progress any more. 

  • Thanks for your responses. I was having a bit of a wobbly!  Yes, I can see now that actually the echolalia is really a good thing.

  • we all have days where it just seems hopeless. it's allowed! parenting is tough.

    you've taken what the paed has said very literally and are putting a time on his improvement. not blaming you. if a professional said the same to me, i'd probably do the same too. i have asd so it's how i am.

    hang in there. re-read your post. there are things he can do and that is so positive. cling onto those and be proud of them.

    every little step forward developmentally will be harder for him than a non autistic child, but he will make progress at his speed.

    stimming - self regulatary behaviour. a positive as probably stopping him from having a melt down

    echolalia - he's hearing and repeating. it's the first step towards using words. he's able to make a range of recogniziablevsounds. all early steps towards having the skills to uselanguage.

    when you start reframing the seemingly negatives, into positives, you see that he's doing ok!

    have you read any tony atwood books? i find them really helpful.

    i know it's hard when everyone elses child seems to take off and you feel yours is being left behind. but stay strong. he is learning and developing in his own way.

    he will get there but in his time, no one elses.

  • I think you're being too pessimistic + perhaps put too much hope on the comments made by the Paed .  He's not even 3 yet so loads of time.  Children come on at their own pace.  My son didn't speak at all until he was in his 5th yr + then said a short relevant phrase.  He did understand a number of single words and short phrases well before then.  Eg:  I would say "get your coat" + he'd know to go + get it.  If you haven't already, have a good look around this site via the home pg + the posts + see how you can help his development.   Our children need  their parents to understand as the vast majority of others do not, sadly.  Let us know how you get on.

  • Your son reminds me of my nephew at that age.  He did a lot of rocking and head banging, wouldn't play and wouldn't speak.  He learned to communicate with Makaton sign language but then his talking developed and he could speak later on.  His parents had a lot of worries with his behaviour.   He went to a special educational needs school, and then followed on with college where they could help with his needs.

    He's now a young man aged 18, and has learnt to drive and is a very capable driver and a lovely person.  He does still stim when he is stressed.  He is trying to get a job but it seems no one will give him the opportunity yet.  But he is determined to keep trying.