Does anyone have a child with Autism?

Question

I'm really looking for the good things about Autism. My daughter is going for testing in a week and I don't know what to execpt when we get there, or afterwards. We don't know for sure she has it yet though, but its always on my mind. I'm looking for someone to talk to. Email adress, FaceBook, MySpace let me know.

Answer 1

There is help.  And things can improve.  Please look into the Thoughtful House.  I did not use them, but used a similar Dr. 12 years ago with my child using similar therapies and alternative treatments.  It was amazing.  She started in a regular school and none of her friends know to this day that there was ever a problem.

My heart goes out to you.  Please take care of yourself.

Answer 2

I have autism so my mom does. I go to a special school.

There is a group in Wisconsin called Angels that is in Racine and a few other groups in Madison and Milwaukee.

There are plenty of people with autism that speak publicly like Temple Grandin who is a professor at a University.

Einstein had autism. So did Edison, Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Thomas Jefferson, Bill Gates and lots of others.

I just need extra supports and Im ok. I bet she will be too.

Answer 3

There are a lot of good things about autism.  The first thing is, if your daughter is in fact autistic, you have her, isn't that a good thing?  You can never really expect anything in particular when it comes to autism.  Every day is different and every child is different.  

I have a nine year old son who is autistic and I think he is a great kid.  He is compassionate, loving, shares, is very smart, has empathy; however he is speech delayed, not toilet trained, still does not sleep through the night and has sensory issues that makes my head spin.  His life does not fit into mine, I have altered my life to fit into his.  His needs far exceed my needs and his needs must be met first and foremost.  

Sometimes plans must be changed because he may not be able to participate at that time because of a melt down or a sensitive time.  This is something that over time I have learned to expect.  I also know that taking him into a grocery store is a melt down waiting to happen - it is sensory overload, therefore he does not go to the grocers with me.  We have places we frequent and he is okay with those places.

If your child is autistic it is important to make a schedule and STICK TO IT!  Consistency is key in the success of children and/or audlts with autism.  They become dependent on doing the same things at the same times -- expectation is a major issue for them.  

The most positive thing I have learned from my son is to see the world through a different perspective.  Things I used to overlook are things I take great joy in -- sharing a moment jumping in mud puddles, playing in the sandbox and hearing his first real laugh.  My son sees life differently and experiences life very differently, it is key for you to be on your child's level and be willing to learn like they do and to see the things you find to be unimportant - chances are those are the things that are important to your child.  Be positive and use positive reinforcements, not negative.

Answer 4

my sister has austism......

its not a bad thing

it a good thing

If she has austism nothing would change, the dr. one words don't change every thing. keeping LOVEING her, times are tough for bolth of you.enjoy life with them, help them with there strugles, congralate thair jobs well done, shower them with love and give them hands to hold.

Answer 5

Im a care giver in New Zealand for children with autism.

There are lots of good things about Autism, it sounds as if your daughter is fairly high functioning, which is always a bonus. She will probably always follow rules closely, probably be very logical and it is quite common with high functioning autism to be very good at math or music.

She is likely to be very literal and take what you say at face value.

These things are all quite common with autism, but if she is diagnosed with it it does not mean that she will be like this everyone is different.

Don't expect her to be a savant, it can happen but is extremely rare.

My brother has a high functioning autism, he had a bit of a hard time at school was misunderstood a bit, but has now found his niche and is a university graduate. So it is not the end of the world.

Bill Gates is also a high functioning autist, look at everything he has achieved

Good luck.

Answer 6

The bet thing about autism is that, with or without it, your daughter will still be your wonderful daughter. It sounds like she's off to a good start and like you have a good attitude going into testing.

If the testing does uncover a challenge, there is so much progress that can be made, and it's good that you already know about options in your area. Once upon a time, we were told that our autism-spectrum daughter was cognitively "competent" and should eventually get some stilted speech, probably be able to hold a job. Now she's about to become a teen and we hear consistently about how bright she is, one of the best students in her Spanish class, and so on. She still has issues, but it's amazing what time and intervention can accomplish.

My daughter is also opinionated and independent-minded, which may be related to the autism -- being a social "fit" doesn't come naturally, which gives her the space to form her own thoughts. Further, she has an amazing memory. So there are upsides even to autistic traits, but so much more of your daughter will always be her individual personality, not her autism, if testing shows that to be the case.

Best to you both.

Answer 7

wow  what makes you think she has autism? First  a few people that i heard have autism  justin timberlake  and he lives a normal life iam going to start school in August and autism is what i want to major in so i can help children like yours.It makes me wonder how many people out here would know where to turn. great job in preparing but know that children with autism can live normal everyday lives

Answer 8

As the mom of a 20 year old daughter with Down Syndrome and an 18 year old son with Autism, the best thing I can tell you is that "this too, shall pass". You will look at your daughter in a year or two and wonder why on earth you were so frightened about a diagnosis. She is, first and foremost, your beautiful and loving daughter, who happens to have Autism. I DO remember waiting for the "dreaded diagnosis" years ago, and how afraid I was- what could I do to help my son learn and  help him function in the world? Was I up to the challenge? How would other people treat him? Seemingly endless questions and doubts- it was awful! One thing I happen to believe, is that God chooses very carefully, the people he favors with a special needs child. You will rejoice tenfold in every step of progress your daughter achieves. You sound like a wonderful and very loving Mom, and you will be just fine, I promise. God bless you and your family.

Answer 9

My only child was born with Autism and Mental Retardation. My child is also non-verbal. Even though my child is low functioning there are some positive things about my child.

My child is very loving. My child is happy the majority of the time. My child is able to understand simple commands and do very simple tasks. My child is toilet trained and sleeps through the night. My child is comfortable with noise and touch.  

People with Autism need to have a structured environment.

Answer 10

i have a son with autism. i don't know if you could really say that there is really any "good" things about autism. when i see my son i don't see autism, i see my son. he is very autistic and i have to deal with the issues everyday. autism is part of him not who he is. he is my son and i love him for who he is. here is a site that has two wonderful books that you could order that has lots of parents thoughts, biggest challenges, greatest blessings, words of wisdom and favorite resources. lots of the parents put their email address or phone numbers with their story. my son is in both of these books.

http://autismthoughts.com/

Answer 11

When I heard that my son had autism, I thought it was horrible news.  I thought I was a refrigerator dad (that long, horrible misconception given to mothers of autistic children... before I knew it was a misconception.)

Let me tell you though, we have had the diagnosis for over 4 years now and its not a death sentence.  Yes, it's an obstacle, but I wouldn't trade it for 3 neurotypical kids (yes, I have 3 nt daughters.)  He is brilliant, he is attentive, he asks questions, and he is affectionate.  My dreams of a linebacker or a star pitcher may have died, but in return I get a son who loves me, his mom and enjoys the small moments of life.

Check to see if your area has a regional center.  I don't know if that is just a California thing or if it is national.  Regional centers help parents get what is needed for their child through advocacy, auditing, and lawyers if they need to.  Very helpful resource.