Undergoing a Diagnosis for Autism

I know how you feel - my son has gone through all sorts of therapies as well as evaluations. He's going to be 5 in a couple of weeks and I will say that in the past two evaluations the pediatric behavioralist and her team (OT, speech therapist, psychologist) believe had they seen him for the first time in the past year he'd not have been diagnosed on the spectrum - so, the therapies are doing him such good. It's hard to see the positives many times as it's very hard......but then I get a hug, or my son tells me he loves me, or I hear how smart he is, etc. etc, etc. I was getting stuck in the negative so much that when I went back and read former evaluations (he's had a couple a year since he was just under 2) and I see what he can do now = he's not even the same child!!!!!!! I've learned to realize my son has made me grow as a person and appreciate everyone for who they are.

I couldn't find a local support group but I poured myself into books written by parents and children who lived the same situations I was going through - I also joined some online groups for the specific 'issues' related to my son. dailystrength.org has a lot of supportive parents and family members.....

A few years ago I was so overwhelmed and worried about who my son 'would be' or 'wouldn't be' and I never would have believed I'd say this but = things do get better.

I understand completely what you are going through. We are going through the same thing and have been for a long time. My 8 year old daughter has had issues all her life. We were deeply involved with ECI as well from the time she was 18 months to 3 years due to a speech impairment. She transitioned into the PPCD program at 3 at the elementary school and has been under the special ed umbrella since then. She is now in 2nd grade (was held back a year) and has improved greatly. But now there are other concerns. Such as possibly having aspergers, ppd (pervasive developmental disorder) on top of having ADHD. All of which the dr told me falls in the autism spectrum. She is scheduled to go in next week to have an EEG done to see about patit mal seizures and to get evaluated for aspergers and PDD. We've been dealing with all the behavior issues that go along with all of this for as long as I can remember. Just when I think we are making progress, something happens to cause us to fall two steps back. It's extremely emotionally draining on us as parents. It effects all of your relationships. I can't tell you how many times I've wished for a support group. I have looked for one in my area but haven't had any luck. I am saying all this to say, you are not alone. I am not all that far from where you live. If you would like to send me a private message, please feel free. Maybe we can provide a bit of support to one another. While my daughter is quite a bit older than yours, I might be able to share some of my experiences in this matter to help shed some light. Just a thought. Hang in there. You are going about it all the right way for your daughter. But yes, there needs to be something for the parents to turn to as well. :)

My best friend is an ABA therapist, the only proven method for helping kids with autism. If you can afford ABA therapy (its not too pricey, but ins doesnt pay for it), I would encourage you to go this route.

My friend walks into a home that is hurting and brings healing through behavior modification therapy. These are things that your other therapists arent probably covering. I have seen her work what seems like miracles just by changing a few things.

If it is something you are interested in and need to find a therapist, feel free to email me and I can put you in touch with her. ____@____.com

T.,
I was there 9 years ago! I know how you are feeling. There is a wonderful support group called DFW MAFEA. Stands for Mothers Actively Fighting to Eradicate Autism. You can google yahoo groups and type that in. Are you on Facebook? If so email me privately . We have a Warriors moms group on there. Also you can go to www.autismspot.com they have good info too.
You can email me anytime and I will help you all I can. The one silver lining is this , is that you will meet some incredible friends and women who are willing to help all the time. You are doing so much for your daughter and that is going to help. You are starting young and thats great ! Try to take it one day at a time.
Reach out to us! We are here for you!
L.

Has anyone mentioned Dr. Mary Ann Block to you?
During my quest for a new Dr. I found alot of people are REALLY impressed with her, I think she is near Irving or North Richland Hills. Look up The Block Center. There is also a website called Generation Rescue (aimed at helping Autistic parents connect and share info). There was so much great info on this site!!
Hope it helps.

I've been there, let me just tell you though, it gets so much better! As they mature and learn more skills, some things correct on their own. I belong to a support group on FB it's called DFW Warrior Moms and Dads. I HIGHLY suggest joining the group. You will find so many of us on there that can give advice on EVERYTHING! If you'd like more info on the group or how to meet other local moms/dads going through the same things send me a private message.

Hello, I don't know much about autism, but I have been taking my son to a treatment (he is ADHD) that DOES NOT involves drugs, just exercises to make the right connections in his brain. The place is called Brain Balance. My son has been going there for 4 weeks now and I can see improvement. The reason I am mentioning about them, is because I know they can treat and improve some os the issues with high functioning autistic kids. Its worth at least reading about it. http://www.brainbalancecenters.com/results/
Good luck to you!!