how to deal with Autism

My son has autism. He was three when he was diagnosed. Here in the US we have government programs that help and we have special programs through the schools. You can also get private help with speech and other things, though that is expensive. There is parental training to help you learn to deal with the child also. I think it's important to treat the child as normally as possible, while making allowances for their disability. In other words, don't allow them to avoid discipline and use the autism as an excuse for bad behavior.

Autism is tough on a family to deal with. And your cousin wanting a second opinion is only normal. There are incredible advances that have taken place in the past few years on ways to treat autism. There is no cure but many of the children learn to function in a normal setting and depending on the form of autism some go on to lead relatively normal lives. My neighbor's daughter has Asburger's (sp) autism. She used to be really bad with it as this is the form that make them ask alot of questions but now that she is in high school, she attends regular classes and make great grades. I would recommend your cousin get her son in a class as soon as possible to help with his development and even look into schools that cater to autistic children. I know in Virginia we have some really good programs and she could probably find out more information about what is in your area through social services.

I'm an optimist. I have no experience with dealing with people who had been diagnosed with autism. I suggest you consult another specialist if there is a more talented one just to be sure... because it's the kid's future at risk here and who knows... if you treat him like a person with autism and in the long run it just so happens that he hasn't matured yet... something bad might happen. Then again that's only my opinion. Peace incredibleDNA :)

The diagnosis and assessment of childhood disorders rely on different variables. For example, different specialists are more probable to give different diagnoses especially if they specialize in a different field or if they are incentivized into giving a particular diagnosis (e.g. they know someone who has an autism clinic). Pervasive developmental disorders, in which autism is part of, are also very tricky to assess because some of the specific diagnostic criteria is the same as that of other childhood disorders. I suggest that you get a second opinion, but only with a clinician who specializes in the diagnosis of childhood disorders. Don't get a developmental pediatrician or a general practitioner - though they know something about the condition, they are not really the best people to give the final diagnosis. Get a clinical psychologist, a developmental psychologist, a child psychologist or a psychiatrist instead for the second opinion. Better still, find a diagnostic center who specialized in multi-axial assessments where the whole diagnostic and assessment procedure is done by a team of specialists - a doctor, a developmental psychologist, a clinical psychologist, a psychometrician, and a special education consultant. That would get a clearer picture of the situation. I know it will be a bit expensive, but early intervention is very essential at this stage. Remember that labels can be for life, and it is important that it be addressed early on so that the child could have more opportunities for growth and development.

My brother-in-law`s nephews have autism. Their parents are great!They never give up seeking therapy and they always support them, and they can interact with normal children, even my nephew plays with them and they get closer. Parents must know and understand the sign of autism and deal with it. Don`t feel ashamed, kids with autism have equal chances to develop and live normally like other kids.

I am a Mother of a nine yr old son with Autism.He was evaluated with Autism at the age of three ,it was hard and difficult recieving this discovery that Autism would play a major role in his life and mine,not to mention ; his sister .My opinion is, spending money for a second opinion wouldn't change things ,I believe the first visit was confirmation that there is a problem somewhere,early intervention was the key- to keep going from there with speech therapy ,healthy diet and lots of love.Case management will be required ;it helps the parent and child with advocacy,the proper services and support,support groups,talking to other parents.Alot of this will require patience and understanding, with some government programs to help support what is not easily afforded.My suggestion to parents who need support ,education ,organizations who help at no cost- Autism society,Autism Speaks,Check the mental health departments,public health nurse sometimes can help.Depending on the amount of resources provided in the state and town you are in. I was told that there was a strong possibilty by a specialist;when my son was three he probably would not be verbal but with faith and placing him in a special school he talks and understands much more than they gave him credit for.He is functioning and progressing to a amazing level for a child who wasn't talking at three,no eye contact was not social or affectionate,rocked back and forth flapping his hands,but now at nine alot has changed.I believe for your nephew as I believed for My son don't give up no matter what.There is alot of help out there. If I can help in any way or can answer any questions please contact me. God BLESS