Grandson is autistic

wazz42

Starburst

Hi Wazz,

Before starting my social work degree, I used to be a support worker for young people and many had a diagnosis of autism. I admit my knowledge of the early assessment process is limited but the overwhelming feeling amongst most people in this area is that the 'treatment' is more important than the diagnosis. That said, I know many people say they cannot access the support without the diagnosis but it sounds like your grandson is already on the way to a 100% diagnosis. I said 'treatment' because autism is not something that can be cured and many parents say it is part of their child, which I think it is too. However, speech therapy and occupational therapy and opportunities for socialisation at an early age can aid children's development and support them in developing their skills in all areas. Your grandson is young and intervention has already begun which is very positive. I wish him all the best of luck. I hope this helps somewhat.

dibdab

Hi Wazz,

I've just retired after 30 years of teaching 3-7 year olds, during the course of which I met many children with a diagnosis of autism. I guess there are several things I could say, but probably the most important is that diagnosis or not, your grandson is precious and special and nothing will change how you love him or the unique individual that he is.

A diagnosis is just a label and useful only in so far as it helps to understand how he functions and what difficulties he might face along the way. But the earlier he gets a diagnosis of his specific learning needs the sooner he will begin to get the specific support that will help him to deal with life and make the most of the learning opportunities around him.

I hope that he gets all the help he needs and deserves very quickly, and that all of your family also get the support you will need to make sense of the advice you will be given- just keep asking questions until you get answers!

Deb xx

[Deleted User]

Thank you for your replies, it is very helpful. I have been telling my dau that her son is still the same boy he was yesterday and he will be loved and looked after just as usual.

I'm feeling a bit mean atm as I am the one who pushed my dau to take him for his assessment, but looking at him I'm sure he does have specific difficulties, and I'd like to get help started now so he makes the best progress he can and we will need help there to know how to stimulate him to enable him to be the best he can, just the same as my other g'children. My dau doesn't want to admit there is an issue, neither does my son in law

take care
Wazz

elnafinn

Hi Wazz

From what I have read you have done the right thing, to seek help for your grandon now, so please do not feel mean or anything like that. Your dau will thank you later. It cannot have been at all easy to say too much to your dau but the sooner your grandson is assessed, the better his chances are. He is still very young and that is to his advantage, you having noticed all is not as it should perhaps be and had the courage to speak out. All children learn to do things at different rates but you obviously have picked up certain signals. It is because you love him so much that you said something to your dau. Your dau and son in law are in denial at the moment. They will come round eventually and be forever grateful to you for intervening.

This link may be of some help:

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/autism_signs_symptoms.htm

I hope you feel a little better about things having posted a thread. I am sure others will reply tomorrow when they see your posting.

I remember your user name.

You are a wonderful, caring grandmother.

Gentle hugs
Elna x

lizzieuk1

Hi wazz,
Sounds like you've helped them take a difficult first step for your grandson. It will obv take them a while to come to terms with everything, I guess finding a support group in the local area would be something useful for your dau and no doubt give helpful info and understanding emotional support.
I have v little experience of autism but do wish you all well with everything.

tkachev

My son was diagnosed at 2 and a half. The first thing he said was 'where are you' which is not the usual thing a child says for the first time! He hardly spoke again after that. so I contacted the health visitor and told her of my concerns.

I must say I was shocked when he was diagnosed especially when they started with 'I'm sorry to tell you'......


Things have moved on now and he is lovely although now going through the terrible teens. IT is always scary at first but you learn how to communicate with them and get them to understand.

After my 1st son was assessed he sat in the room full of specialists and I remember them saying, 'your other son seems fine he's very bright.' but he too was diagnosed several years later.

So I have sad memories with the diagnosis and early days (my Mum died a few weeks before he was diagnosed too) but can say that things are much better now.

Elna has kindly posted some great info.

Just need to add that the age of 5 he started at a lovely special needs school, started writing and he now NEVER STOPS TALKING!

Elizabeth xx

tkachev

sorry if you need any advice please PM me. NAS are also a good starting point, I have to go offline now because they all need feeding and the laptops will be commandeered after that.

There is a lot of info out there but you can be blinded by it all. All children are different and never underestimate their ability.

E xxxx

barbara12

Hi Wazz
I dont know much about this, but I am glad you have taken this step forward...it must have been hard for all of you
I see some of the others have given you some advice, I just want to add my support and wish him well for the future....(((()))xx