hi im new
Posted by
NickyB
on 21st August 2010
at 20:53
Hello Dee and welcome :)
I have a 7 year old who was diagnosed 3 years ago. Like you, I was expecting the diagnosis, but it still came as a shock to actually hear it. You have certainly come to the right place for help and advice, as well as plenty of understanding. Have a look around the community as there is lots of information here.
There is plenty of support out there, but it can be difficult to find. Whereabouts are you, and is there anything in particular you would like to know? Do you have any specific issues with your son at the moment that we might be able to help with?
Also, you may find the National Autistic Society website useful - www.nas.org.uk.
Feel free to ask anything at all :)
Nicky - Community Champion
Posted by
Josie Barnshaw
on 21st August 2010
at 21:36
Hi Dee
Welcome to the forum :)
As Nicky has already said if you have any particular issues just ask.
How is your son doing in school? Is he in mainstream? My youngest was diagnosed with Aspergers when he was about 7/8 years old; he is now 15 and has been educated in the mainstream schools.
If you let us know where you are located we can maybe point you to some local support groups.
Josie - Community Champion
Posted by
Hayles
on 22nd August 2010
at 08:57
Hi Dee, Welcome to the Forum.
I have a 6 yr old with Asperger's.
Hayles x
Posted by
Elena - former Community Manager
on 23rd August 2010
at 10:16
Hi Dee, welcome to the community - you're in the right place. : )
Posted by
asteroids
on 23rd August 2010
at 12:38
Hi Dee,
Great to have you here. Hopefully we can help you with information and support.
Is your 11 year old the eldest, youngest.....? Also, is he just about to start secondary school....and is the school aware of his diagnosis?
Asteroids Sara - Community Champion
Posted by
Mel C
on 23rd August 2010
at 16:01
Welcome Dee,
I'm mum of three children, 2 daughters 13 and 10 and Luke aged 2.
Luke is being investigated and is thought to have autism. We see the dr again in 2 weeks so am hoping he will refer for a diagnosis
This forum has helped me loads since I joined a short time ago, hope you find it useful :)
Mel x
Posted by
Snowdrop
on 23rd August 2010
at 19:27
Hi Dee & welcome
I have 2 boys ( a 5 year old with ASD & an 18 month old).
I too was expecting my sons diagnosis but it hit me very hard when the doctor confirmed it, I think we all feel the same.
There is loads of info on this site which I'm sure you'll find really useful but do feel free to ask any questions about any concerns you have at the moment, ask away!
Tracy - Community Champion
Posted by
cheekydee
on 24th August 2010
at 15:05
hi and thankyou for the replies.
he is in mainstream school he is moving up to secandry school in september they are not aware that he is as yet as i was only told myself on friday just gone. The doctor said he would write to the school and myself at the same time if i have not had my letter before friday afternoon i will ring the school and let them know myself as i am already aware that it does mean that there has to be changes in order to help him.
he is not the eldest no i have a 13 yr old the 11 year old, an 8yr old and a 7 yr old.
I am in the manchester area. my biggest issue at the moment is how do i tell him he has this with out him blowing it well out of proportion and him thinking he can do stuff that he would't normally do just because he has this disability i was kinda hoping that i could join in some support groups as soon as to help me to deal with such a big issue but they all seem to be a long time to wait.
I need to tell him, as soon as possible would be the best option before he over hears things. But i am still learning all about it. although he is 11 and i have dealt with him for so long without support i do feel that i need some kind of support around telling an 11 yr old little boy that he has a condition that will effect him for the rest of his life.
Posted by
asteroids
on 24th August 2010
at 15:37
Hi Dee,
I am so pleased to hear that you want to tell your son about his autism. I have worked with a number of children whose parents kept their diagnosis a secret and I never understood why. It's very difficult to support a child with autism if you can't actually talk about their diagnosis. There have been a number of discussions about this here on the forum. Here's a link to one which might be helpful. Please ask if you want extra information or support with this. It is a difficult subject to approach but so important.
http://www.talkaboutautism.org.uk/discussion-forums/general-discussion/i...
There are also some discussion topics on telling siblings.
I hope the doctor manages to write to the school in time for the new term.
Sadly, once a diagnosis is given, there is very little support available. This is a major problem across the UK. I'll see if I can find anything which might be useful for you in Manchester.
Asteroids Sara - Community Champion
Posted by
bumblebee
on 26th August 2010
at 12:53
Hi Dee,
Welcome to the forum,
I am Mum to 3 children on the spectrum aged 5, 12 and 14. My oldest daughter wasn't diagnosed until about the same age as your son and I remember it being a really tough time. It is difficult to deal with the shock and also trying to do the right thing to move forward, but I'd focus more on preparing and informing your child than worrying about the school for now. If your son is taught the tools to cope and his self esteem is kept up, that is half the battle won! I wish I had done more of this rather than focusing on other issues with her especially as it was coming up to the time homones kick in!!
THere are some great ideas on the forum about telling siblings and about explaining autism to your child as Sara has mentioned...I'd try and do this in as much of a positive way as possible and try and really see that yourself...autism can be a gift in so many areas....there are some things that your son may never want to do or may never cope with doing, but so much more he will enjoy and will be good at....try and focus on these and it will be an easier journey for both of you...Take care and speak soon...
Claire - Community Champion
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Posted by
cheekydee
on 21st August 2010
at 19:05
My name is Dee, i have four children my 11 yr old has just been diagnosed with ASD.
Although i had a really good dea already that he probably had it it really came as a shock when the doctor said yes he is autistic.
I do not know what to do now i feel really helpless like there is nothing that i can do to help him.
The doctor said i need as much information from as many sources in order to better understand him.
please could anyone help me out with any information.
thankyou