Does anyone think that reading books and watching for signs they tell you of all the time takes over your life

Question

i hate that i know things about autism now....i obsess that any little thing is a sign of autism and now wish that i didnt know anything about the disease so i could just enjoy these moments with my daughter anyone else feel this way?

Answer 1

I think those of us who tend to be kind of anxious and obsessive about things like that would do well to leave those books on the shelf and just report odd symptoms to our doctor as we see them.  I tend towards being a worrywart, as well.  As long as someone who knows what to look for is periodically evaluating my kid, there's no need for me to be studying lists of red flags.

Another cure is having multiple kids.  No time to be obsessive.  ;-)

Answer 2

It's okay to worry.  It's better to be over protective than not at all.  A mother's instinct, God gave it to us for a reason.

Answer 3

LOL - I'm a teacher and my husband is a nurse... we've diagnosed my two year old son with more things than I care to name.  We both feel strongly that parents should be proactive in helping their children and early diagnosis and treatment (regardless of illness or disability) is best, but... A little bit of knowledge is really dangerous (thank you, Internet), but we have a wonderful pediatrician who we trust and who carefully listens to our concerns and lets us know what other behaviors/symptoms show that it's not what we thought it was.  

As for autism, remember that far more often than 20 years ago, kids are diagnosed with "autism spectrum disorders" that could mean something really mild that will not affect their learning or social interaction in a major way is now being labelled.  Talk to your pediatrician and child's teachers (they see a lot more kids and have a much greater perspective on the wide range of "normal" than you do) and try not to worry! I know, easier said than done. ;-)

Answer 4

Yes every time I read about a illness I wonder "do I have that?" or does a family member have that? At all of the symptoms/signs seem to be the same and there are always some I can attribute to myself or others. Sometimes I think there is too much information readily available!