My beautiful son is 2 years old and for the past 5 months I have seen red flags for autism. I acted immediately and we have just been approved for NDIS. I'm accessing every resource I can to help him. I just don't know how to get past the pain and anxiety that I feel for him and myself. He has had some huge progress in the last 4 months - now pointing, his receptive language is getting heaps better, he is imitating, following simple instructions, identifying objects/pictures by pointing when asked. He couldn't do any of this 4 months ago.. But he isn't talking. It breaks my heart seeing his peers starting to talk. I need strategies or advice on how to overcome this and just be able to celebrate his gains. I know " comparison is the thief of joy" but its so hard not to compare.
Child with potential Autism and how to cope
Child with potential Autism and how to cope
Posted in:
Self Care, Baby & Toddler, Milestones, Aspergers & Autism
4 Replies
I get it, mumma. I have two kids on the spectrum and it took some coming to terms with. And life can be very demanding at times.
Because you have sought help as early as you have, your son has a much better outcome. Early intervention is crucial. Take some comfort in that. You haven’t delayed. You haven’t been in denial. You have taken action. It would surprise you how many parents do not.
My son was diagnosed age 4. He wasn’t talking either but now he’s 10 and he’s impossible to shut up. School really helped as well as all the speech therapy so keep at that. Your son is making progress. That is fantastic. Little steps are still steps in the right direction. Savour every victory!
My son was formally diagnosed around 2y4mths. That was 24 years ago!
Sounds like you are doing all the right things and speech may come, it may not, and it might be somewhere in between.
Yes, continue to work on speech in therapy BUT if someone suggests a different method of communication while you work on speech please do it. The important thing is to teach your child to communicate, not the method. That might be using a picture system, an iPad/iPod app, sign language etc. Having a strong communication system, no matter what that system is will help your child’s frustration levels and help prevent behaviour problems etc.
My son uses speech for the things he can say clearly and more complex sentences structures he uses an app on a phone/iPod.
I’ve been assured by the experts that using alternative communication methods does not prevent speech developing, it encourages it. I’m glad I didn’t ignore there advice as my son can clearly advocate for himself in ways he wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.
Hopefully your sons speech develops to the point where he doesn’t need an alternative system, but in the meantime wouldn’t it be awesome if he can communicate his needs?
Give yourself time to grieve & accept the diagnosis. We're told to soldier on, but I was told by the psych I had to be ready in myself to accept it & it was ok to grieve over my child not being NT.
Then, try taking it one day at a time. Try not to look too far into the future & wonder where he'll be. No one can predict that, for any child.
My DS didn't speak until he was almost 3. Then he started & hasn't stopped for a breath since. He's now 8. He's intelligent, fun & extroverted. He definitely has massive challenges, but he's in mainstream class at school & has friends.
And give yourself due credit. Not everyone advocates for their child so brilliantly as you have. Sadly. It's tough work, but worth it.
I highly suggest joining Autism Inclusivity on Facebook. It is a group run by autistic adults for the education and assistance of other autistic people and parents, family and carers of autistic people. I will give you a heads up that what you will get in that group is advice and feedback, particularly about therapies and assistance that may go against what you've been told elsewhere but it is really important that you listen to autistic people that have been through certain therapies so that you can find the best way forward for you and your child. You may also find the groups Ask Me I'm Autistic and Ask Me I'm An AAC User to be helpful. AAC is for people who use alternate forms of communication other than or along with mouth words (speaking) and they may be able to assist with other communication strategies for you and your child.
Much love xx