Autism
Questions + Answers
What would you share with parents of children with ASD who are considering a dog or cat?
we have a cat and its a great thing it helps him calm down when he needs it.
What bits of "advice" do you wish people would stop telling you?
My son is an adult now, but when he was little... ugh... people had good intentions, but i never liked being told 'he'll grow out of it'.. boys will be… read more
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.
For me, it depends on where and who we are speaking with. If they are ignorant people who I feel we have to explain every single solitary thing to....I… read more
Has a doctor prescribed your child medication to address behavioral issues? If so, what kind of doctor?
Pediatric neurologist? psychiatrist? behavioral specialist, etc?
We had a awesome behaviorist at CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OAKLAND
She quit. Now struggling to find proper med management
I have tried many meds for Delano. He… read more
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… read more
I have and never will understand or feel good about mainstreaming. This is not to change the minds of those of you who this has worked out well for, but… 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… read more
For the most part. His diagnosis is 4 years old now. I have my moments but we try to focus on (for both of our special needs kids, only 1 has ASD… 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… read more
unfortunately all to often i don't blame them for being uneducated or ignorant ! lol truth is there is only so many times you can apologizes, example… read more
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… read more
@A MyAutismTeam User from when I first answered your question 3 years ago with this advice (that I now put on a blog … 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… read more
Trader Joe's and the toothpaste I got from the hospital.....no flavor at all.......
What makes your child smile and/or laugh?
Talking to him about things he likes. I laugh and joke with him about some of the smallest of things but I let him know "I am in his world".