Trust yourself, some children naturally thrive when they are given more to do and the bar is set high. This is the same for all of us, ASD or Neurotypical.

I think the results have proven them wrong. @A MyAutismTeam Member is right- you know your child best. I think early intensive therapy makes all the difference in the world. Stick to your guns- it's building a foundation for his future.

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A MyAutis...

Thank you! But she also had money much more than we have... (we are not poor by any means or make you feel we are) We are military and we would do ok but with 3 special needs and I am disabled vet. My oldest boy is ASD and spoke at 4 with echolialia. I did speech and he read and other services like teacch therapy. I attended a meeting given by the autism society and learned about IEP's, therapies and everything even ABA and CAP services. He read around 10-11 years old. He is progressing still and they both have ABA now. The little one has speechX2 and Occupational therapy. My daughter is dyslexic and she is homeschooled due to bullying but she is an excellent iceskater that competes statewide. We live in military ADA housing and we belong to Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS) They brought OT and other information and services but now that I've got everything under control they said I am going to overwhelm him... I will never let that happen!

After almost 1 year of intensive home based therapy in social/communicative skills, my son can draw rather objects rather than scribble, use complete sentences and hold brief conversations when the school labeled him non-verbal. He also gives me typical eye contact in the therapy setting. He has a long way to go before he will be the same doing the therapy as he is in every other situation but he has made incredible progress the school would never have given him the opportunity to discover! He was on ritalin and turning aggressive - no more! I'm convinced that every person on the Autism spectrum that has gone on to do great things like Temple Grandin had a mom just like YOU!

My guess is whomever is telling you this is an agency that doesn't want to provide or pay for what your child is in need of.

The fact is the more intensive(time ABA for example at 40 hours a week) and earlier your child recieves these services will determine his progress. It has been researched and documented in the book Educating Children With Autism put out by The National Research Council. Get the book and show them the recommendations from it.

The personal toll of expense and time these services is something every family has to take into account of knowing your own limits.

Do what you think is best. You already know. Along your journey may you remember to take time and smell the roses too.