Our son is 2 1/2 and recently diagnosed. We're fortunate in that he does not present with many challenges at this point. He has some speech delay which is showing improvement and he has difficulty with joint attention/responding to his name. He occasionally runs back and forth from the family room to front door but can be redirected. Beyond that, he does not appear to have sensory issues, makes great eye contact, is incredibly loving and seemingly aware of our feelings, is not rigid with… read more
As my DD has gotten older, the gap between her and same-age neurotypical peers has become more obvious. She is actually making improvement in terms of her percentiles but the difference between where she is and where NT kids are has become greater even though she's moved closer to them on the bell curve. Think of it like a marathon where somebody way at the back is passing runners and moving up in terms of his placement but where the distance between him and the front-runners keeps growing larger as the race goes on.
Early intervention is very important. As for whether it will get worse... maybe. Each child is different. All we can do as parents is hope for the best while preparing for the worst. Better safe than sorry...
I have a 10yo who has not regressed. I also have an 8yo who has.
Hello there! He sounds like he's got a great support system:) & he sounds allot like my little girl. I know this is going to sound silly but with our children I feel as though you can only take it one day at a time. My daughter is also high functioning & has been in a program in public school since last year....there are days when she seems so typically 4 & then there are days when I see her holding things very close to her eyes & making these silly faces & sounds, even spinning from time to time or putting objects in her mouth. Everyday is different but we just address things as they come & we don't let any inappropriate behaviors slide! Although, initial impulses like shouting or talking back may not be prevented (even with typical children) I think in our case being consistent in our responses to things is really important.
My little girl is the light of my life...I can go on & on about her;) I also worry about her future & what it holds for her but with a loving & supportive family & attentiveness to her every changing needs I know she'll be just fine! Your doing an amazing job! Oooooo's😊
Hi there, Hope you're doing well with the new diagnosis. It is a big adjustment at first! Our developmental pediatrician constantly reminds us that autism is not degenerative, meaning that it does not get worse over time, but it does change. We have experienced some changing in symptoms, but you just work on each one as they arise. It can be challenging, but the therapists do know what they are doing and will help to guide you!
Thanks all for the input. He currently has a speech therapist and will be receiving ABA therapy at a special school. We have the choice of his schedule- full time, a few days a week, half days, etc. We're still thinking about what's best. Any recommendations would be great. I've only recently started learning about supplements, biomed, diet, etc. So, any feedback or helpful resources would be great. We think our son is the greatest person ever, regardless- but we are definitely hoping that we will be able to help maintain on the higher end of the spectrum. So far, from what we've been told by his doctors, this seems possible.