He makes me so proud!
By lvmybz
@lvmybz (125)
United States
April 30, 2009 2:00am CST
I have a 6 year old son who has autism. And boy do we have our struggles. Most of it I believe is me because, I still can't believe Autism took my son away from me. He has been in ABA therapy for a year now. We are seeing improvenments academically such as counting. Also he is becoming more verbal. He always had speech, but now he is using it better. Although he has a long way to go. My 3 year old who is typical is so helpful with his brother. He knows when I have to work with his older brother, and he just loves to help. Anyways they are my beautiful boys and I love them with all my heart.
7 responses
@kamimatsu (26)
• United States
5 May 09
I'm happy to hear that I'm not the only autistic person to succeed.
@lvmybz (125)
• United States
16 May 09
One of our biggest fears for our son is he won't be able to care for himself when he gets older. And the one fear that keeps me up some nights is what will happen to him when we are gone. I know it is a spectrum and I assume you are very high fuctioning. I would love to ask you some questions, and please let me know if you do not feel like answering. What did you struggle with as a child? I wish you all the best in the world.
@mommaj (23112)
• United States
6 May 09
I am so glad you joined this discussion. I have been told about all kinds of successful people with autism, some of them are professors. As parents we want better for our children than what life deals them, even if they are perfectly fine. I believe the autism effects the parents more than the child just because we blame ourselves. I am glad to hear your voice and please enlighten us because sometimes we just want to know what our children are thinking.
@kamimatsu (26)
• United States
16 Aug 09
The main things I struggled with was people thinking the "disease" was made-up and that I was just using an excuse to be a jerk to people. Also some teachers thought that everyone with autism was the same and mislabeled me as retarded, which I find ironic because my first IQ test showed me to be an immeasurable genius and I figured out the moon phases by myself. I never really had any friends during my childhood but I'm getting more now. I don't think I'll ever fully mature because of the mistreatment during my childhood, but my parents were extremely supportive and I think if it weren't for them raising me to be myself, I would have lost all of my sanity. I'm still glad I have autism, since it makes me more understanding.
@cassandralynn (1084)
• United States
30 Apr 09
I can relate . My son is 7 years old has Autism. My son was practically non-verbal up until 2 years ago, now he's Mr chatty. We never took him to ABA therapy, we just spend a lot of " Floor Time" with him and talk to him and encouraged him to talk.His speech could be worked on a little but but besides for that he's Mr. Chatty. He never use to like to use the telephone now he call's his Grandma up all by himself and talks to her.I know that reading to my son has help with his speaking skills and he's starting to read also and his skill of writing are improving and he often draws pictures for me or his father and writes the name of whatever is in the picture.There usually is this stereotype about how most autistic children are antisocial, but my son loves to be around people and jokes around with people and isn't shy... I think it's wonderful when a my son uses new words and make's jokes and learns new things, he loves to learn!. Even his doctor thinks he's making great progress. I wish you the best regarding you, your son & family 
@lvmybz (125)
• United States
4 May 09
Cassandryalynn how wonderful it is for you to see your child improve in such positive way, and most of it is because of your doing. I absolutely love my children, and when my son with autism accomplishes something especially when it revolves around speech it is simply amazing. God Bless you and your Mr. Chatty, keep talking to him, your doing an awesome job.
@mommaj (23112)
• United States
6 May 09
I'm glad your son is Mr. Chatty. I hope for mine to be that way too. He is starting to make words so I am really hopeful. He turned four in March. I read to my son as well. He use not to sit still for it. I would keep reading and if he wouldn't sit down I would turn the book so he could see it if he wanted. Over the last couple days he blossomed. He just hit some two year old stages so we are having some fun! LOL
@Foxxee (3651)
• United States
1 May 09
I'm glad your son is doing well... my son is doing a form of ABA during school hours himself & it is really doing wonders, but we also do a lot at home. I think we all use ABA & don't even realize we are doing it.
Just never give up hope because there is so much of it to go around!
Also, don't look at it as Autism took your son... Autism is a part of him now, the best thing to do is accept & just try to help & improve what you can.
I always say "Autism doesn't have my son, my son has it." I also say "Autism is just one part of my son, he is much more."
Just some words of hope...
Good luck..
@lvmybz (125)
• United States
4 May 09
Thanks Foxxee, and your right we do ABA and might not realize it. We even use ABA for our typical 3 year old, and he responds well to it. Also, I completely understand what you mean about Autism being a part of him, and how I should accept it. And believe me somedays I do and I totally understand. Well my heart might not feel the way my head and my logical thinking do. Like with any child we have our hopes and dreams for them, and what it all boils down to is, I just want him to be happy and living a fulfilling life. And He is Much More! Thank you.
@kamimatsu (26)
• United States
5 May 09
I'm happy to hear that your son is doing well. I myself am autistic, though a milder form of it, and it makes me happy to hear when someone who also has it is successful in overcoming it. Next thing you know he might try to make the advantages of autism work for him. Math is a good example of that.
@wiccania (3360)
• United States
18 Jun 09
Good for you! I have a 7 year old with Autism and it is indeed a struggle. Mine just started talking about a year and a half ago. He's still not conversational, but he's getting there. He makes me proud everyday. Several months ago, he brought me a book and wouldn't let me read it to him... he read it to me, instead. I was sitting there, listening to this disney princess story (it was my niece's book) and crying my eyes out. I couldn't tell you anything about the story. Just that my son read every word of it to me.
It's awesome that your younger son is so understanding and eager to help!
I hate when people act like there's something to pity me for when I tell them I have a child with Autism. Yeah, it's trying at times, but in the end he's still my little boy. The same little boy he was the day before he was diagnosed. Just with a different perspective on the world than everyone else. I wouldn't trade him for any other child.
@moonchild117 (1987)
• Philippines
30 Apr 09
That's a very inspiring story. A lot of people would lose patience and hope with this kind of situation. I'm also happy for you. Continue to support your son. May God bless you and your family.
