Hello from a newbie!
Posted by
Sharon Swift
on 14th January 2010
at 19:44
hi debbie i'm new here as well its a really good site
Posted by
Josie Barnshaw
on 14th January 2010
at 20:15
Hi Debbie
Welcome to the group. Have a look around the topic boards and feel free to open another one if there is something in particular you want to ask about.
My son has Aspergers and as you say there was a long wait for assessment and diagnosis but that was 9 years ago and from the posts on here it seems that it doesnt take quite as long these days.
The stimming and twirling in school might be due to sensory overload with the crowds of kids, noise and lights.
Josie - Community Champion
Posted by
Leanne
on 14th January 2010
at 20:21
Hi Debbie
Welcome , its lovely to meet you :)
Whereabouts in South Wales are you ?? I am near Hereford which is quite close to the welsh border.
It great to read that you have had lots of support already. It is surprising how much things vary between regions etc.
I have 4 children in total ,2 of which are my step sons and have autism , my youngest who is now 8 was diagnosed aged 3.5 as being severely autistic.
Does your son attend a main stream school and does he get any teaching support ??
Leanne - Community Champion
Posted by
Elena - former Community Manager
on 14th January 2010
at 20:56
Hiya Debbie! Welcome!
Posted by
Snowdrop
on 15th January 2010
at 09:19
Hi Debbie
Welcome, I too have a 4 and a half year old son who was diagnosed with ASD in June.
I'm very glad to hear you are receiving so much support, I hope this forum proves helpful to you too. I found the time around Dylan's diagnosis a very lonely and isolating time so do feel free to ask us any questions you may have.
I look forward to talkin more soon
Tracy - Community Champion
Posted by
NickyB
on 15th January 2010
at 09:38
Hello Debbie and welcome :)
My son was diagnosed when he was 4 and he's now nearly 7. We too have had lots of support and his school are fabulous - it seems to be a bit of a lottery so we consider ourselves very lucky.
Nicky - Community Champion
Posted by
bumblebee
on 15th January 2010
at 12:42
Hiya Debbie,
I am mum to a 4 yr old boy with ASD and I have 2 daughters aged 14 and 11 with Aspergers. I am really glad you have found us as it can really help travelling the autism path with other parents who can empathise with you! I am also really pleased for you that you have had positive support and the professionals are being really helpful. It isn't always a fight to get diagnosis and children's needs identified although as you say it can be!! It can also be a little tricky getting those needs met at times but we are here to give support and advice if you need us!
Any questions you have, please ask away and feel free to browse in the other areas as there is a huge amount of advice and ideas in the pages! Speak soon....
Claire - Community Champion
Posted by
Matt Joyce
on 1st February 2010
at 11:02
HI Debbie
I know what you mean about the steep learning curve, and we have found you are learning things each day.
Our son was diagnosed very early at just before he was 3 , we have seen all the right people and go all the right support and he is happy at pre school.
As mentioned it is a scarey time, so much to take in and learn. One piece of advice i was given by someone on this forum (they are great on here and know a lot) is "choose your battles". By that i mean if he wants to use a blue spoon for eating the let him, it is not important in the scheme of things, and if it keeps him on an even keel then everyone is happy.
Robert was 3 last Dec and has changed since then, we notice a lot more now keep on top of his little ways, but th journey is just beggining.
If you have any questions then please ask.
MAtt
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Posted by
purplemac
on 14th January 2010
at 19:42
Hi I'm Debbie from snowy South Wales! My 4 1/2 yo son has just been diagnosed with 'classic autism' (that's what the doctor called it) To be honest, it was a relief to be finally told what was wrong with him! He had speech and understanding delays before but was doing OK with speech therapy, then started Reception class at school and completely changed from a happy bouncy little boy to a humming, twirling stranger!
School, Health Visitor and doctors have been very helpful and supportive. Everybody reffered him to EVERY department they could think of! We've been extremly lucky!
Now we have to wait until possibly May or June for a paeditrician so see him before he can get help.
Not moaning or anything, honest!! You hear about how long waiting lists are!
So, we've just started our very steep learning curve!
Debbie