How did you come to find out your child had autism?
(Or any development delay, learning problems ect.)
Were you shocked when the first person said something to you?
Were you in denial?
Was it something in hindsight Yu look back on and can see but honestly couldn't see it as they were growing.
How did someone tell you that your child may need to see someone?
Did you originally act harsh at the first person who told you? (Maybe because you felt attacked or it was finally voiced concerned you'd shoved down.)
Just curious. I'd like to hear your stories :) x
3 Replies
Honestly, my son didn’t follow the normal developmental path from birth. I had suspicions something was up by the time my son was 1 years old!! I made a deal with myself, that by 2 I would take him to a paediatrician, and I did. The paediatrician thought autism and by 2.4 months old diagnosis was formally confirmed. Nobody had to tell me. Yes I hoped it wasn’t autism, because I think everyone just wants there child to have the easiest life possible.
Very little information was available when my son was diagnosed (he is 24 now). Previous to my sons generation of was still the norm to institutionalise. There was no HCWA package, allied health care plans of NDIS so we were truly on our own.
I knew when he was 9 months old, even before then something was different about his development because he didn’t do anything my sisters kids did at that age. I took him to the doctors at 18 months and got told not to be stupid he was a happy healthy normal baby. At 2 and 3 months I had a doctors appointment and he went into full meltdown mode when the door was closed with us and the doctor. The doctor told me it wasn’t normal behaviour and asked why I hadn’t had him seen too. I broke down and told him I didn’t know how to even get him a referral to a Paediatrician or how to deal with his behaviour after previous doctor told me not to be stupid. I had a referral written and sent while I sat there. After therapy and appointments that came out of my ears by 3.5 my boy had a diagnosis. I didn’t deny it although my family tried to, his dad tried to etc I was glad I finally had an answer because I knew there was something very different. Nearly 7.5 years on and the difference from diagnosis to today is amazing. I now notice signs in other kids and ask parents if they think the behaviour is abnormal for a child. Some mums get defensive others just break down. If it hadn’t been for some of the people in my life I would have been a crazy mess before I got help. I’m thankful people pointed out he was different. I hate that I’ve had to live with Autism full time while their dad gets a free ride and only spends time with them when he “has the chance or chooses too” I have more than one child on the spectrum but I didn’t know what Autism was until my second child was diagnosed. I would possibly resent someone now especially since I get (are you sure he’s normal) when it comes to my youngest who shows no signs of Autism and is currently meeting all milestones. Well cross that bridge when we come to it.
My boys were always quirky and a little bit different. We still haven't had one of them formally diagnosed as he seemed to really take off after seeing an OT and is now a high achiever at school and making friends with others who share his passions.
My second boy had only just been given his formal diagnosis at 6 yrs old because we can no longer afford all the therapy he requires to be successful. We now have access to enough money to get him through speech and occupational therapy for the next year. That was a big relief for us to have the financial burden lifted a little.
As for other people's comments, remarks, and 'helpful advice' - those that mind don't matter and those that matter don't mind! If they don't realise that my kids are wired a little differently after I've told them, if they make it that my kids are broken, or tell me that they would be fixed with a good flogging, I employ my right to never associate with them and their negativity again. I don't need it and not so my kids.
Best of luck!