Has Autism, Or Is Autistic?

I'm curious to know what others say when characterizing their young child's disorder in a context where it's necessary to identify it, such as arranging for special accommodations.

"I have a child with autism."
"I have an autistic child."
"My child is on the autism spectrum."
"I have a child with special needs."
"I have a child that is smarter than me but can't tie his own shoelaces."

Don't mean to stir up controversy. I'm just interested in how others feel about this.

How Do You Feel About Pressure From Schools To Mainstream Your Child Out Of Special Ed?

I'm worried that Ryan will be forced to give up his unique perspective to comply and fit into mainsteam classes. He is only in Pre-K and there is pressure being applied to get him out of special ed into regular Kindergarten by next year. I feel they dont know him well enough, and with his delays I think it's setting him up for failure
Can I hear from parents with children that have gone the route into mainstreaming, and some thoughts on how to deal with the fear that my son is going to be… read more

Have Any Of You Reached The Point Where You Have Stopped Mourning The Life You Imagined Your Child WOULD Have Had If Not For Autism?

I remember the exact moment I stopped mourning. About 2 years ago, I was watching a group of mothers at my son's school playground chatting and lamenting about their kids and the typical social drama that they were going through. It hit me that he does not judge people at all in that way and he never will. I admired that about him. And I let go of that imagined child's life and dove fully into what is gratefully here :-)

Does Anyone Have Advice For How To Respond To Rude Comments From Strangers?

My daughter has a lot of sensory processing problems which we are working on with OT. These challenges for her become extreme when we need to take her grocery shopping . The rude comments from strangers has been getting worse... Before they would say something to me or give me the "bad parent" glare but lately some have had the nerve to say things to her. A few weeks ago I actually witnessed 2 adult women photographing her while laughing at her unique way of lining up plastic forks at our local… read more

Anyone Ever Lose Friends Because Of Their Child's Autism?

I had a friend that this past year was also my sons preschool teacher. During the year I never really noticed that she seemed like she became real distant. The other teacher had mentioned to me that my friend did not really know how to handle Kade when he had his meltdowns. I honestly did not say anything I figured my friend would ask me if she needed help I trusted her and Kade seemed happy enough with school. So now that school has been out two months for Kade and the lack of text messages… read more

How Do You Get Through Hygiene Care Without Meltdowns?

How can I get my 10 year old aspie son to shower & brush his teeth without melting down? The toothpaste, regardless of brand & flavor
Causes him gag and sometimes, vomit. The shower thing is beyond me..once he gets in..he sings along to his shower music (the beatles ) and he is fine. How do you do it? And I will sing your praises forever if anyone knows of a flavorless toothpaste or one that's NOT bubblemint,cinnamon,mint ect...he LOATHES cinnamon & anything mint.

Should An Aspie Child Be Told About Their Diagnosis?

I'm trying to decide whether or not to tell my 11 1/2 yr. old son about his diagnosis... And if I decide to tell him; what to say that is age appropriate. His therapist doesn't see the need unless he asks. I've mentally made a list of the possible pros and cons... Telling him would explain some things for him, but I don't want to run the risk of him regressing in some way or using this information as an excuse to not be the best he can be. A little background on my son: He knows he's… read more

Is ABA Helpful For High Functioning ASD Kids?

For those with High-functioning kids, have you found ABA therapy to be helpful? Or not? and why?

My son's teacher and school team were discouraging me from pursuing ABA therapy for my son because he is considered "high-functioning" I was under the impression that ABA can be helpful for all degrees of learning and development.

Hoping to draw some insight from some of you...

Has Anyone Had Success In Getting Their Child Involved In Any Sports / Athletic Activities?

I was wondering if any parents have had success in integrating their child into a sport or physical activity of any kind?

My middle (autistic) boy has taken up BMX (bicycle moto-cross)racing and has become unbelievably successful at it in less than 2 years. He is even sponsored by a bicycle shop and an apparel company. He is now being "scoped out" by a HUGE bicycle company's factory team. Unreal. I have noticed that there are many kids at the race track and skate parks that are clearly on the… read more

Problems With Putting Too Much Food Into Mouth?

Does anyone else have a problem with their kids putting too much food in their mouth at once? Little Man will literally put almost an entire half sandwich in his mouth at once and then try to chew it up. Is this an autism/sensory thing? That possibility just occured to me today but I don't know if there's actually a connection there. Anyone else have experience with this?