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Did anyone recently have a child, friend, or relative diagnosed with autism?
By berlynn1975
@berlynn1975 (737)
United States
4 responses
@kittykatzz (1132)
• United States
11 Jan 07
hi berlynn!.. i have a 9 year old son who is autistic.. as my younger son does have some speech delays at this point he thankfully has no diagnosis' of any spectrum related disorders.. ive dealt with autism for a long time as its part of my life.. i had my son Andy when i was only 17 and he was diagnosed on muy 19th birthday.. its definitely a challenge that has affected my whole life (as if parenting that young itself didnt!) please feel free to add me as a friend and ask me anything!.. i remember being so scared and not knowing where to even begin.. its been a long hard road and the end still isnt in site.. but hes growing into a lovely young man and he is full of love.. looks like we may be able to help each other in the future!
@berlynn1975 (737)
• United States
11 Jan 07
Hi Blueskies and Kittykatzz
Thank you both for your replies. Autism is difficult to deal with. When I first heard the diagnosis, I was sick to my stomach about it. I didn't know what to do, except pray to God for healing and help.
Well, I'm definitely getting a lot of both. But, it is still difficult. I thank God my son isn't unreachable, and my daughter too. But, it is very trying at times.
But, their therapies are great; God is great, and they're both doing pretty well.
It's weird, even with each of their diagnoses, there are many things I wouldn't change.
But, for all of us on here, there's definitely lots to talk about. Thanks :)
@blueskies (1186)
• United States
11 Jan 07
Hi Berlynn. I have a 12yr old son who is diagnosed as PDD-NOS. While the diagnosis is fairly recent, we have knows almost since birth that he was "different". I, too, would love to help anyone who has questions about autism. Sometimes it can be so isolating to be the parent of a child with special needs.
I admire your strength. I can't imagine having 2 children on the spectrum.
@kimber_1975 (142)
• United States
12 Jan 07
my son was diagnosed with autism on October 30th of 2006 and is four years old,he is doing well in his pre-k classes but,he get so frustrated over the littlest things and will just scream like you have never heard a scream before!!!He loves the computer and loves puzzles,and organizing anything!!!he blows my mind everyday,he is the youngest of my four children,and I am still learning of autism.Please feel free to give me any advice at all and share some stories if you would like.
@berlynn1975 (737)
• United States
12 Jan 07
Hi Kimber, I went to school for behavioral science, and my son's been diagnosed for about 4 years. I'm still learning. I'm actually trying to have my book published. It's geared for children but can be for anyone (relatives, friends, whatever) who is in anyway connected to someone with autism.
There's a great book I read called, "Let Me Hear Your Voice" written by Catherine Maurice. Very informative.
Does your son receive any therapy/therapies in home? My children have DTI (Discreet Trial Instruction), and another and it's embarrising me because I cannot think of its name. But, they're for behavior modification. Oh, maybe it's ABA (Applied Beahavioral Analysis) Things are broken down into small steps and taught on a continual basis until mastered.
But, there's definitely a lot to learn.
Are you on myspace? I am (myspace.com/boutiquehairbows) and have lots of "friends" having to do with autism. Some of them also post bulletins and there's a lot to learn there. Some of these people are very helpful and a wealth of information.
