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Parenting Autism

A forum to create awareness, give support, and exchange ideas, therapies, or ... more

Reply: need help understanding

Hi MummaKaren, The short answer to your question is, it depends on what you are concerned...

Posted by pmw68

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:need help understanding Hi MummaKaren, The short answer to your question is, it depends on what you are concerned...

Reply: recently Diagnosed aspergers

Dear Yitzzy, Your daughter has the "classic" (though I hate to use that word since each...

Posted by pmw68

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:recently Diagnosed aspergers Dear Yitzzy, Your daughter has the "classic" (though I hate to use that word since each...

Reply: Finding Out

Dear Finding Out, I'm sorry I haven't replied sooner. I see that WebMD finally allows a...

Posted by pmw68

Dear Finding Out,

I'm sorry I haven't replied sooner. I see that WebMD finally allows a weekly activity newletter that can alert me to new posts. You are the main reason for me setting up this group and I feel badly that it took me so long to respond.

First of all, if your son gets diagnosed with autism, there is an adjustment period for you and your husband. Many expectations, that most parents take for granted, will change. This is neither good or bad. One of the biggest things I need to tell you is that your son's diagnosis is not because you did or didn't do something. It is just who he is. Your job is just to love him and help him.
What to expect:
I'm assuming you are in a birth to three program in your state. If not, you need to call them. They will do an evaluation of your son's deficits. Once accepted, you will be an equal team member in the development of your son's services. An individualized family service plan (IFSP) will be developed. It will list the services your son is entitled to. Many doctors are prescriptive in their suggestions or methods of help. You need to tell the team how your son learns, what is the best method and how you engage your son. Service hours are important but only if they are well spent and effective. Also, sometimes you won't get what you don't ask for. Know your son's rights for appropriate help. Some of the areas to discuss: Special education services (how your child can learn appropriate developmental behaviors and begin to learn essential skills for progression) - usually behavioral methods are used like ABA (applied behavioral analysis), Floortime (Dr. Greenspan) or RTI methods. Your son's personality will be able to tell you the best method. Most therapists use ABA because it is "research based" and is "measurable". However, for social engagement, many therapists resort to the floortime or RTI methods of teaching. Socialization is a huge part of the diagnosis. What is important to you, for your child to learn? Tell your team. Occupational therapy is important to work on any sensory issues (texture, fine motor/grasp, loud noises, proprioceptive/equilibrium) - this is important because these issues will cause obstacles in your child's ability to fully learn. They are very distracting. Physical therapy is important for problems with gross motor skills (your son's muscle tone and/or trunk of his body needs to be developed in order to eventually walk, sit at a desk or participate in PE with his typical peers - an important part of socialization). Speech is recommended when your child is repeating phrases (echolalia) or can't talk at all. The speech program will give your child tools to communicate with you to prevent frustration (some examples are a picture system - PECS, sign language). Other possible areas to consider are asking about the ability to participate in a play group or a swim class. If the need is there, the state should write it in the plan and incur the costs. Just make sure everything is written down.
Once your child turns 3, he will be transitioned (provided he is still eligible) to a early education pre-school. The IFSP turns into an IEP (Individualized education plan). The IEP works the same way as the IFSP. You will have a different team to work with.
My best advice is to trust your gut and to take things day by day. The above is an outline of how to set up your child's day/week through thearpies. The best thing I've discovered is, through all my time trying to teach my own son, he is teaching me the most. These children have feelings and thoughts and incredible personalities.

I hope this wasn't too overwhelming and this helped a little bit.View Thread

Posted bypmw68

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Finding Out Dear Finding Out, I'm sorry I haven't replied sooner. I see that WebMD finally allows a...

Moms (or caregivers) of ASD children

After a week of winter break and feeling like I failed the sane mother's test, I read this...

Posted by pmw68

Take the Poll

Have you felt guilty over your own parental "inadequecies", breakdowns, or feelings while dealing with ASD?

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Moms (or caregivers) of ASD children After a week of winter break and feeling like I failed the sane mother's test, I read this...

Info on special education law and parent advocacy

http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/autism.index.htm

This is a great reference for creating and IEP, monitoring measurement practices (goals), and...

Posted by pmw68

Was this Helpful?

1 of 2 found this Resource helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Info on special education law and parent advocacy This is a great reference for creating and IEP, monitoring measurement practices (goals), and...

Reply: Help son soon to be going through puberty!

I wish I did...I'm not there yet, but I am interested in what you find out. Do you notice...

Posted by pmw68

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Help son soon to be going through puberty! I wish I did...I'm not there yet, but I am interested in what you find out. Do you notice...

Grants in Connecticut and beyond

http://www.examiner.com/x-29318-Hartford-Autism--Parentin...

Here is an article on a list of grants available to families, primarily in the state of...

Posted by pmw68

Was this Helpful?

4 of 8 found this Resource helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Grants in Connecticut and beyond Here is an article on a list of grants available to families, primarily in the state of...

Reply: autsim tanrums

Hi Helen, Do you have your son in a birth to three program? Usually, you can request a...

Posted by pmw68

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:autsim tanrums Hi Helen, Do you have your son in a birth to three program? Usually, you can request a...

Reply: Home Help for Asperger's

There are many techniques that are used in social skills. Role playing is among the most...

Posted by pmw68

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Home Help for Asperger's There are many techniques that are used in social skills. Role playing is among the most...

Reply: How to bring up the subject with family

Do you think you could have a heart to heart with your brother? It is a touchy subject...

Posted by pmw68

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:How to bring up the subject with family Do you think you could have a heart to heart with your brother? It is a touchy subject...

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