My son has Autism
August 20, 2008
I have a child who is on the Autism Spectrum. My son has just been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. My son is AUTISTIC. I am writing these words, and though they still feel foreign to me, this is my new reality. I will write more later when I have had some time to adjust to it.
Entry Filed under: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Parenting, special needs. Tags: Autism Spectrum Disorders.
13 Comments Add your own
Leave a Comment
Some HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <pre> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed
1.
The Informal Matriarch | August 20, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I like how Jenny McCarthy puts it. “my son HAS autism he’s not autistic” sounds better that way. You should read her book I think. I have an appointment next month to see if my son is on the spectrum. I’m just hoping he’s a misunderstood genius. ha ha ha.
Good luck on your journey, this kinda news I’m sure is rocking your world right now.
2.
feener | August 20, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Goldie,
I hope that once you have some time you can adjust as best as you can.
3.
highhopes1 | August 20, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Goldie,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
4.
Jayne | August 20, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Finally you’ve got the answer!
Now you can look into social skill building groups, therapies specially for auties/aspies and (hopefully) get grants for classroom aides (not sure how that works outside of Oz).
It sounds silly but almost all the mum’s I’ve spoken to said the same thing – when their children were diagnosed they felt like a huge weight had come off their shoulders as they finally had something tangible they could look up, research, look into, inform others about, and fully understand themselves.
It’s been a long path and it’s not over yet but you’ve just passed a major milestone in the road and you survived (((hugs)))
5.
Ruth | August 20, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Goldie,
You’re in my thoughts. I hope you get some rest.
Sending prayers ,
Ruth
6.
rhemashope | August 20, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Hi, I came over from Mama on the Edge. Praying for you…
7.
Jenn | August 20, 2008 at 10:24 pm
I’ve been there. It’s gets better. I promise.
8.
mama mara | August 20, 2008 at 11:19 pm
My (ex)husband and I didn’t say the “A-word” for almost a year after Rocky’s diagnosis. We kept telling ourselves that labels do more harm than good. But by keeping silent, we only ended up isolating ourselves from our friends and family, delaying our willingness to seek out help, and denying our need to grieve.
Your way is much better. Say it, share it, cry over it, rage at it, learn about it, accept it. We’re all here to listen.
9.
widdleshamrock | August 21, 2008 at 3:46 am
((Hugs))
Welcome to the wild, wacky yet wonderful world of autism with all its’ peaks and valleys.
We are all here with you and for you.
Much love
10.
Goldie | August 21, 2008 at 7:34 am
Thanks everyone. I am better today. I was very tired yesterday, and a little sad.
We have wonderful family & great friends to support us.
Everyone is like “ok, what do we do now, how can we help?” or even “okay, but he is still the Percy we love!”
In a way it is a relief to finally know, like Jayne said. Plus I can now officially be in the “Mothers who love children on the Spectrum” club. I really could relate to what you said, thanks for the support.
This label is helpful in that it gives me direction, something clear to work with (against?), a community to support me.
Mama, I have mixed emotions on labels, I see their benefit and problems. But if they had told me yeserday he was NOTHING, no label, I would have been even more upset. BTW, you have cool friends, they came here to help make me smile. Thank you so much Rhemashope & Jenn. I look forward to getting to know you better.
Informal Matriarch, thanks for stopping by, interesting point. Autism is not the sum of who he is, just a part. I changed the title to “My son has Autism” to reflect that. I left the “he is autistic” comment in the post because that is how I felt at the time.
thanks for talking last night WS.
Ruth and HH, prayers are good. Thank you.
Feener, I do need time. Thanks for the good thoughts.
11.
mama mara | August 21, 2008 at 8:26 am
This is my first exposure to “Hot Hunk Thursday”, and I am transformed. Meow!
12.
mama mara | August 21, 2008 at 8:29 am
Sorry, I linked to widdleshamrock above and got all goggly-eyed at her Hot Hunks Thursday post. Somehow left a comment for her here. (Be sure to visit — all your troubles will melt away in a sea of gorgeous men snaps.)
13.
Goldie | August 21, 2008 at 9:14 am
LOL mama, you will LOVE Widdle Shamrock, she is a gem. And yes, I was just over there drooling over Hugh Jackman. *sigh* I LOVE Thursdays.