Autism Spectrum Disorders.. What is it really like? Learn first hand what Mom's have to say....
I asked these questions at a group I belong to called Autism/Asperger's/PDD Awareness
I also wanted to ask moms a hard question or two or three
I would like for you all to sum question 1 & 2 up in 3 words, or less And with your permission I would like to add this to my blog as well.
Question #1 What was your life like before autism?
(My answer: Couldn't say)
Question #2 What is your life like after autism?
(My answer: Brighter, New, Inquisitive)
Question #3 (Make your answer as long as you like for this one!)
Who or what has helped you the most in walking the road of autism?
(My answer: Well the group I listed above would be #1 being able to freely ask questions there knowing someone there most likely has faced what I am or about to!
Youtube has been a great help I blogged about the help I got there and many links of video's that let me see first hand what was what in the ASD world it opened my eyes and taught me I'm HFA as well. It has also helped me see that it will be hard for me to seek a diagnosis and help as an adult, Most of all I see I'm not alone nor is my daughter alone in the world of autism... Here is the blog post about that 2 More Days
The most important help I have gotten has been from family and friends just them knowing and still loving us and caring helps, as for informative help The Cafemom group above & Youtube.)
Question #4 What might you say to someone getting ready to walk this road to make their trip a little easier?
(My answer: You are not alone!! It isn't a real easy road but it isn't the worst ever either! Do your home work on new treatments, therapies, diets, and rights. Many are willing to turn a blind eye and not offer help. So look into the laws for helping people on the spectrum (This will come in handy when your little-one is school age)
If you think your child is autistic and you talk to your Dr. about your concerns only to have them blow you off seek help with a developmental pediatrician, & find a new Dr.
Help can be found at your local school & health department. If your child is on the spectrum they have rights to receive help in areas to help them grow and learn, It will be your job to fight for those rights for your child! There are advocates out there to help you with your battles, seek them out & ask for help.
Self educating myself in the world of autism has saved me lots of heart ache. Not many people in the system medical or school held out a helping hand so Be prepared to know what to ask for, why to ask for it, and when. That help & info can be learned at the Autism/Asperger's/PDD Awareness group and many other sites offer info & help. Seek local support groups Oh yeah and take a deep breath and repeat after me ALL WILL BE OK!! Exhale and relax... because it will be OK!)
***Below are the replies I also wanted to say Please feel free to add a comment about your own story with autism or Better yet any questions you may have about Autism. Education is key, The only dumb question is the one not asked!! So please what ever you may wonder about autism or if you heard something & wonder if it is true Please Ask I'll do my best to answer your questions!***
Replies as follow's
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by nathansmom0400 on Mar. 12, 2008 at 11:09 AM Hmmm...very interesting questions! I'm not a blogger, but I can answer your questions...
Before autism: "predictable, stable, mundane"
After autism: "humbling, harder, richer"
Who/what has helped the most? God. I rely on my faith and truly believe that He has a plan and knows better than I do what is best for Nathan and for me. Having Nathan has caused me to have a grateful heart and to learn to hand over the things that overwhelm me.
To someone about to travel this road: Be forgiving of yourself and your child. Trust your instincts. Fight for the services/therapies you believe are needed. Rejoice in all the little accomplishments. Carve some time out for yourself. Enlist the help of family/friends when you can. Learn to be patient and persist, persist, persist...
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purpleducky wrote on March 12 2008 12:31 PM
Question #1 What was your life like before autism? Didn't have a life before autism. I was born with it.
Question #2 What is your life like after autism? It is interesting to say the least. I have meltdowns, I lose my speech, I sometimes am unable to communicate what is in my head. But it has helped me, along with raise my two little sisters who have it too, to anticipate my son's actions.
Question #3 (Make your answer as long as you like for this one!)
Who or what has helped you the most in walking the road of autism? Music! No one helped me through it. I had no therapy, no meds, nothing! But music was my outlet. It calms me down. I get absorbed into it. Video games help too, violent ones. I get absorbed into killing the enemy, right now it is Call of Duty 4 and Bioshock.
What might you say to someone getting ready to walk this road to make their trip a little easier? It is not the end of the world. Your kid is still your kid but just requires some more work. Don't act like it is the end and don't treat your children differently. A lot of parents treat their children special like they are extra fragile because they have autism. The most important thing you can do is to help your child adapt to this world instead of sheltering them from it. It is hard but well worth it.
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by jennmom1 on Mar. 12, 2008 at 9:06 PM Question #1 What was your life like before autism?
ordinary, predictable, narrow-minded
Question #2 What is your life like after autism?
unique, grateful, acceptance
Question #3 (Make your answer as long as you like for this one!)
Who or what has helped you the most in walking the road of autism?
Both of my sons have been imperative to me "walking the road of autism."
My son Adam, diagnosed with moderate/severe autism on June 16, 2004, has shown a strength, a determination, a will, like none I have ever seen before. He, truly, has been an inspiration to me. He helped me to find my place in life. I think it is rare that people find their true, "calling," in life and I am blessed to have found mine. I know that I was destined to help other families in my situation. I was destined to help raise awareness and to encourage acceptance of others and to help others to see the beauty that is our children. Without Adam I would never have found, "my place," in this world and for that I am eternally grateful to him. What a gift he has given me.
My son Noah, neurotypical albeit strong-willed like you wouldn't believe, has also made this, "road," not only bearable to travel, but, a joy to travel. My son, Noah, finds nothing different or strange about his brother. He loves his brother for who he is; for his flapping because that is a fun game to play, for his hyperactivity because what little boys don't want to run like wild children through the house, for his need for sameness because all children like structure whether they'll admit it or not, for all of his unique ways. Noah is blessed to not know what it is to judge another person. He will blessed with knowing what it is like when people are cruel just for the sake of being cruel and that, in the end, will make him a more compassionate man. Noah exudes acceptance and tolerance; what all of us should strive to be.
My children have made this, "road," a memorable one to travel. I am, equally, blessed to have both of my children for each one offers something so unique to this world and I know that together they will help to make others more compassionate, less-judgemental, more accepting people and for that I am so grateful and I wouldn't get off of this path if I could.
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Da1nOnlyDestiny wrote on March 12 2008 11:57 PM
Question #1 What was your life like before autism?
Stressful, congested, nerve-wrecking
Question #2 What is your life like after autism?
Scary, confusing, enlightment
Question #3 (Make your answer as long as you like for this one!)
Who or what has helped you the most in walking the road of autism?
My son's EI ABA Therapist was the most helpful, she would always answer any question she could for me. She would come to my home no matter what time of day or night it was to help me. She researched so much for me, and continuously brought me resources. She became family!
What might you say to someone getting ready to walk this road to make their trip a little easier?
Do not feel guilty, do not feel scared, and do not feel alone. Remember that there are many people walking the same path as you are and we are a community of love and support. Research and excerise your resources. And remember with each bad day come 3 good days so the good will always out weigh the bad
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