Has anyone on here had any experience of young children with Autism ? There is a lot of information on the web but I would like to hear from someone with first hand experience. What to look for etc ? I'm happy to talk on here, but of course if someone would rather, PM me. Thanks in advance.
My nephew has been diagnosed with a very mild form. One of the many little things that seem to affect him is change. He recently had a change of school teacher which he struggled to deal with. Happy to ask the sister inlaw for more details if needed mate.
I spent a number of years designing & installing specialised playground activities in various Special Schools throughout Queensland. They are all beautiful children that just require that extra bit of love and attention, naturally, some more than others. Likewise, the parents, teachers and helpers are a special breed and do not receive due credit for their time & effort. From my observation, reading and interaction with these children is paramount.
That would be great if you could mate. After spending the last 2 weeks with the twins 24/7, it seems to me that some behavioural aspects of one 'just ain't right'. Seems the Mrs was already thinking the same, so any info would be gladly received. Hopefully and probably nothing but would like to hear from someone before going to the Doctor.
Happy to help, will give her a call when i can. Easy for me to say but if I were in your shoes I would go straight to GP to ask for a referral & don't take no for an answer. It's the only way to put both your minds at rest.
Myself and my brother have worked with duffering age groups of those suffering ASD. A good read is lorna wings triad of impairments.
Hi Stainsy I have a nephew with Aspergers (part of the Autistic spectrum), hard work but couldn't be a nicer boy...but you need to get to your GP, and get a referral to a specialist. Even if you and your wife are wrong, it will worry you till you sort it out. Best of luck mate.
Hi Staines We were very worried about our youngest (he's now 4) as his social and language development (at 3) was way, way behind his older brother. We had been worried for a fair while, and when he transferred to a new nursery, they were on to it straight away. Where we are there is a fantastic support system to help children develop to their full potential. We had numerous assessments and help from paediatricians, child psychologists, speech/play specialists etc. and if there is one thing I would recommend it is to take everything that is offered. Autistim & Asbergers can be anything from mild to extreme - but more importantly, it might just be a child's individual personality or a medical condition (eg hearing problem) that is at the root of the issue. Many people are said to be on the 'spectrum' and live completely normal and fulfilling lives. Getting an understanding of the causes for slow development or certain behaviours early is the most important thing, and it will make you feel much better knowing that they are being helped and supported.
To one and all, thanks so much for your messages and PM's. I'll reply to the PM's individually when I get to my laptop as its a nightmare using the I phone (and having sausage fingers). Me and Mrs S will take your advice and talk to our GP and once he gets started, to his speech therapist (waiting for our appointment ASAP). Thanks again to all from me and Mrs Staines.
I also forgot to ask if a hearing test had been done? As my youngest was not developing as fast and she had to have an operation but is now top in her class. You could also check out the national autistic society if you find dr hard etc.
As far as I remember it was done and was all ok, though was only at birth. But exactly the same thing crossed our mind, looking at all possibilities. Just wanted to say also, what a great board this is and how helpful everyone is on here, it really does put a good feeling in your heart. Dave/Brix would be very proud.
I have a Brother with Asbergers Syndrome, Staines. It is a mild form of autism. The main affect is his social skills. He finds it very hard to socialise with people and therefore to make friends and he tends to be very introvert. He can sometimes struggle when he wants to make a point about something. His intelligence is not affected. He went to college and got a degree and has held down a job for the past 5 years. When he was a child, I remember him crying a lot and generally being hard work but on the flipside, he was a very loving child too. Good luck with your kid.
Hello mate, my partner works with them on a one to one basis as she is a special needs teaching assistant, more than happy to help if needed
I don't know why you're not at your GP's now, other than the fact that it'll be closed at this hour. But I mean why haven't you already been? I've worked for about 5 years with autistic kids, up and down the spectrum. To be honest, every case is so unique it would be difficult to tell you what the average autistic person is like. Can't you tell us what behaviour he's showing and then we'd give an opinion?
I think the reason we haven't yet been to our GP is the fact that his actions and behaviour are only now becoming more noticeable and we don't want to be seen as overly concerned, time wasting parents (Stupid I know, but its the way I am). He is already on the waiting list for speech therapy, and on his referral report there were some concerns noted by them. It's very hard to explain what is wrong but as his parents, we do see there maybe some problem. He is very distant, asks the same question many times in a short space of time and when you ask him to do something it just doesn't register (not him being naughty or stubborn but just doesn't register, no eye contact etc) As I said, very hard to put down into words what we feel is wrong. He starts school next month and will be mentioning our concerns to his new teacher on the home visit, and meanwhile will be taking him to see our GP at the earliest opportunity. Once again, thanks so much to all that have taken the time to post or PM, it is most appreciated by both my Mrs and I.
