I have an Autistic son , 14 years . What should I do about him ?

Answer 1

I am not sure how to answer your question, since I would need some more information. Is your son having behavior problems, trouble in school, etc.?

There are some general resources at the bottom of this post that I hope may help you. Best of luck!

And please don't worry about the person who said,"I am hoping you just found out otherwise you have been negligent for the last 14 years." Many children with autism spectrum conditions are not diagnosed until later in life (some even are diagnosed as adults!) because they did not have any severe problems or their symptoms were unclear.

Here are the resources:

"Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew" by Ellen Notbohm - http://www.southflorida.com/sfparenting/sfe-sfp-autism,0,6196233.story

Website of Paula Kluth, Ph.D. - http://www.paulakluth.com/autism.html

Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism by Temple Grandin, Ph.D - http://www.autism.org/temple/tips.html

"Your Life is Not a Label: A Guide to Living Fully with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome" by Jerry Newport

"You're Going to Love This Kid!: Teaching Students With Autism in the Inclusive Classroom" By Paula Kluth

"Not Even Wrong: Adventures in Autism" By Paul Collins

Answer 2

hopefully he finds something he developes a passion for., but it's not likely. He could be in a daycare setting designed for his problem with counselors that know what he needs. Besides, he may really enjoy it, and you need the respite. Don't feel guilty or overprotective. So many Autistic kids can develop a liking for an activity.

Answer 3

Get him tested for any other neurological disorders. Raising an autistic child takes a lot of patience. Also join the national autism organization. They have conferences for parents of autistic chlidren. Sometimes they'll even help pay for your expenses to attend these events. I have a loved one with austism.

**Also you can apply for social security checks from the government for your child since he is considered "mentally disabled"...

Check out the link:

Answer 4

You need to be more specific.
Is he:
1.Low functioning vs. high functioning
2. Was he just diagnosed or was he diagnosed as a toddler, (most autistic persons are diagnosed at about age 3)
3. As for what to do about him: do you mean schooling, living arrangement?

Autism is chronic. I didn't find out I had a form of high-functioning autism called Asperger Syndrome until I was tested in 2003 at the age of 22.

My mother made sure that I was placed in treatment in a psychiatric outpatient facility. She had to find me more than one place, in fact, she is in the process of getting me into another place.
I'm sure you know by now that you have to play the role of "parent to a little kid". It is hard for us to fend for ourselves, esp. us high-functioning. For the fact we are socially inept and foreign to the ways of the world, easily overwhelmed by it, we need a lot of help.
My mother has spent much time on the phone, much time comforting me through emotional breakdowns and seeing me dragged off to the hospital after a physical meltdown.
She wears many hats: advocate, therapist, nurse (she is a retired RN), but most important, mom.
We have so little available in our area in the area of medical knowledge, resources.
Reword your question again, being specific.
I will provide a website that publishes a quarterly newsletter for high-functioning persns with autism-Asperger's. Obviously it won't be of benefit to you if your son is low functioning.
P.S. If your revised question includes places on where to find help/services and you don't get the answers you are looking for or want add. info. try posting the same question under travel under your city. I received that tip from a fellow answerer, and I got better results.

Answer 5

I don't understand why you haven't been getting assistance before now. Have you tried gettinga pediatrician that is familiar with this? How about putting him in a school for autistic children?

Answer 6

You need to give more info. I am hoping you just found out otherwise you have been negligent for the last 14 years.

Answer 7

Hope you have done things in the past and you are not just starting now at 14, Does he have Asperger's disorder? What is his data?

Answer 8

1st of all, don't blame him and don't think of him as a problem. 2nd, give hime the opportunity to develop (special schools, therapists, etc). Also give him the opportunity to enjoy activities that will also help him (therapeutic riding is a very good example).

Answer 9

same thing you been doing the past 14 years.

Answer 10

'Autistic'? Isn't the the government's new term for male?