2006-11-02 07:26:46 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
You say you "just found out" your son may have autism. Where did you find out? Who suggested it?
From other questions, I see your son doesn't talk & isn't potty trained yet. Some kids potty train later than others, so I wouldn't consider that a symptom of autism. Not speaking can indicate something is wrong, but it could be hearing loss, or numerous other problems.
Does he make eye-contact? Does he like to show off what he has or what he's done? Does he have excessively repeatative movements like flapping his hands in front of his face or or rocking incessently even when sitting on the couch or floor? Does he have an extreme sensitivity to sounds? These are far better indicators of autism.
If this does sound like your son, find an autism supprt group in your area. Start your son in any program you can find. DO NOT just sit in front of Barney all day!!!
Feel free to email me. I am working quite a bit with my autistic niece.
2006-11-04 10:58:08 · answer #1 · answered by Smart Kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be glad you found it so early. The earlier it's found and treated, the better the prognosis for the future. First I would contact a local support group, http://www.kylestreehouse.org/local_support_groups.cfm has a good listing by state. Also, I would read as much as you can about it in different books. Send in the Idiots is actually a great book that might give you some hope and support. Its written by a person with autism who visits a number of his childhood classmates and finds out where they went in life, and the impact it had. One of them even went on to writing speeches for one of the presidential candidates vying for the democratic nomination, and another writes computer programs for a well established company. The book even goes as far to discussing various treatments and games that might help you with your son. Its not a life ending diagnosis, and the people who have it are indeed truly gifted.
Communication will be hard for your son regardless, but it is -imperative- that your son learn these skills. The more you can do to teach him these skills early on when he's developing the better he'll be, and the more likely he can live independently one day. Good luck to you.
2006-11-02 07:55:01 · answer #2 · answered by xatnes 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you know he is autistic? Or is this a self-diagnosis based on reading a magazine article or something of that sort? If you know his is autistic -- if a doctor has told you this -- then any reputable doctor has the responsibility to tell you what courses of action are open to you. There are many support groups, and much progress has been made in dealing with autism. Of course, it also depends on his autistic level.
But please, if you are just guessing, go to a doctor and get a definite diagnosis. Then you will be able to take an appropriate course of acdtion.
2006-11-02 07:36:38 · answer #3 · answered by old lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
THE AUTISM SPECTRUM, is like a rainbow, dependent on how far the child is along the rainbow is the severity of autism, i would add at two he his young to be sure how developed the autism is.
I teach at university, special needs 16 to 70 year olds, do not underestimate your child's need for learning, do not be downhearted
your child is special, autism can manifest itself in many ways, get advice, child support guidance. good luck regards FL
2006-11-02 07:43:51 · answer #4 · answered by lefang 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my nephew has autism, he's doing good. he's 3 and they have him enrolled in a preschool class just for kids with autism. he's also got a speech therapist to help with his speech delay.
i also worked with children for years in childcare and had several with autism of many diferent levels come through my classes. many by the time they are 10-12 years old you would hardly know they even have it.
education is the main thing for you and your son. get lots of books, try to find some classes for the both of you.
2006-11-02 07:42:12 · answer #5 · answered by TN girl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be patient..love him and educate yourself on this. He can function normally in most instances. My nephew, who is 6, was diagnosed about 6 months ago. He was having problems in school when it came to classwork and interaction with other kids. After testing, he now gets more one on one teaching and is doing great. A child with Autism is a highly intelligent child. And will find something that they are very good with...be it numbers....computers...music.....help him find his "thing". You may find that he does better if he doesn't have to compete with a sibling or other kids. He may like to be alone alot. This isn't bad at all, many autistic children seem to like reading or watching television alone. I wish all the best, and I will pray for your family.
2006-11-02 07:40:03 · answer #6 · answered by lisa46151 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
start to read... amazon.com is a great place to start because of readers' comments, you will see what books have been helpful to other people... unfortunately resources to help in the education for kids with autism are limited in many areas- but it's good to find out early, so if you need to endure a waitlist you can get your child in line for a spot at a good facility early on... access other parents who have children with autism, they'll provide you with emotional and informational support...
2006-11-02 07:33:51 · answer #7 · answered by Johnny 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
first of all...do a google search for early childhood autism.
second, there are excellent early intervention programs for autism...call the school district headquarters office where you live...they will be the ppl to give you info on early intervention programs in your county.
go to this website: http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/
they are international...and an awesome source of info for contact agencies....
i used to work with autistic kids and adults. there are so many more great resources available than ever before...and early intervention is the best thing you can do to help your child, and to assist you in teaching and behavioral modification techniques that will make your life so much easier.
autistic kids are very intelligent and can do a lot more than they are given credit for!! there are many types of autism, and varying degrees of severity. best of luck to you luvie.
2006-11-02 08:15:20 · answer #8 · answered by pirate00girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry- my nephew has Aspergers - which is high functioning autism, and it's really tough. There was a really great article in the current issue of American Baby- very helpful suggestions in it. The article said that if the child was diagnosed early that there was a good chance of them being in regular classes. Just keep you chin up-
2006-11-02 07:31:43 · answer #9 · answered by Amy S 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Pray for him and just keep your head high. Don't think negative. The keyword here is MIGHT. I would just keep myself in prayer and hope the doctors are wrong. You know when my daughter was born she had a case of jaundice that should've made her brain damaged. She was about to get admitted into the hospital when I just started praying and asking God to get rid of her sickness. A while later they told us to go home because it was completely gone. Prayer works!!!
2006-11-02 07:32:52 · answer #10 · answered by I smile because of them ♥ 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋