topic Re: Autism in Wellness

Autism

gloriajean — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 16:21:51 GMT

My little 3 year old grandgirls may have autism. They are being tested. They are smart, but they don't respond much, and the district thinks it's autism and more tests are being done. Please pray for them. Aria and Allie.

They know the ABC's so well they are making words!

Re: Autism

IMW — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 17:03:21 GMT

My best wishes for you and your family.

My Grandson 6 has autism, along with speech apraxia,

sensory disorder etc.

I’ve learned to relish and celebrate all he CAN do, not

what he can’t. He’s progressed so very much in many

things.

He doesn’t know all his colors, or how to write his name. Still not totally potty trained with bms.

He is totally charming, sings and is very happy. He loves cars, big slides, helping in the house.

I hope your granddaughters don’t t have autism.

Re: Autism

grandma r — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 17:37:48 GMT

@gloriajean I will add your family to my prayers. One of my grandsons is Autistic. Everyday is a challenge. If your girls are diagnosed, there are various avenues of help and support available.

All I can say is that you show them that they are loved just for who they are. Learning how to cope with the various situations that occur will help. When my grandson is overwhelmed and starts to stim, we tell him to "blow it out", as if he's blowing out a candle. He also responds to having his shoulders massaged. I can actually see his bidy relax. Stimming is an Autistic child's way of coping.

Unfortunately, the biggest negatives you'll face are the nasty looks and comments from ignorant people. And, as the children get older, the remarks get nastier. These people don't understand that the child can hear them and can feel their negativity.

I pray you don't get an Autism diagnosis!!! But, if you do, I am here if you need to vent or talk. My grandson is now 10. He is a wonderful, sweet child who is just "wired" differently. We are the ones who need to learn to cope. I wish your family the very best.

Re: Autism

Love my grandkids — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:17:57 GMT

@gloriajean Prayers said for your sweet little grandgirls. There is so much that can be done for/with children on the autism spectrum.

Just a note: There's a long time employee at my local grocery store, in his late 20's, who has Asperger's. He is a star employee, is a great young man and this month made Employee of the Month!

I wish all hte best for your family and will be thinking of you all. I hope you'll update us on the girls if it's not too personal.

If you decide not to, I know we will all understand. I've seen so much on TV about ways to work with autistic children, so much better than "in my day". Hugs to you and your family.

Re: Autism

Catty2 — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 18:20:06 GMT

Wishing the best for your grandkids. My 8 year old great nephew was diagnosed when he was around 3. By then he knew the colors, numbers, letters. He is very smart but does have limitations. He has been in special classes since he started school and is now in 3rd grade. Love him so much.

Re: Autism

cherry — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 20:44:20 GMT

Try not to worry. My husbands cousin has an autistic son. He drives a car, works in grocery store, and chats with people, he also has his own apartment

If the worst proves to be true, there is lot today they can do to help these children..I will pray...read St Augustines prayer dear heart ,and let it strengthen you

Re: Autism

Bird mama — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 21:18:51 GMT

@gloriajean I will most certainly pray for Aria and Allie.

Re: Autism

sweetee2 — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 23:07:27 GMT

My grandson who is going on 14 in October is doing great. He's in 8th grade and in public school. At first it was terrifying. You hear all the horrible stories, but that doesn't mean that it will be in same with you. The key to success is early intervention at least by 3. He was in Resorce all through elementary school. I would pick him up after school and after a snack we did homework. The most important advice I can give you is learn what their I call issues are and don't fight it. My grandson doesn't like to be touched so we don't . Just go with and it makes alot easyer.

Re: Autism

RetRN — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 23:19:41 GMT

I will certainly pray for them. I don't have much knowledge related to autism, but I believe there are many degrees or levels. I'm sure there are many educators who work with and are able to help these children. Take it a day at a time.

Re: Autism

sunshinestory — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 00:59:50 GMT

I certainly will pray for your grandchildren. Are they twins? I have twin boys who are now 30. One of my twins has severe, nonverbal autism. The other one does not. Things have changed dramatically since my son was diagnosed at the age of 2, 28 years ago.

There is more acceptance, knowledge of what autism is, and treatments. I had nothing but having him enter the school system at the age of 3. The autism treatment centers have done wonders to friends of mine who have grandchildren on the spectrum.

Autism Speaks has several manuals to download for free or have some sent to you if you do get the diagnosis. The first 100 days is essential. Knowledge is power.

I remember having to tell other moms or people who were complaining about my sons tantrums thinking he was just spoiled. I would say, he is autistic. I remember most people thought I said, he was artistic. One mom said, I don't care if your son is an artist or not, he shouldn't be throwing balls arounds. I just laughed.

At least awareness is so much better!

My prayers are with your grandchildren.

Re: Autism

Bannafanna — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 01:03:30 GMT

I have a grandson with autism. He is 26 years old and non verbal. My daughter in law has dedicated her life to him. My son is the financial provider. They live a life of autism. He lives at home and has learned daily living skills. At times he his very hard to control. They refuse to put him in a home for disabled adults. It's a life they have chosen for now. As a grandmother, I worry about their future. I am very sensitive to their lifestyle and respect their choices. They are isolated and so am I. We try to come together as a family occasionally, but it is difficult. The dynamics of family life are extremely different than most families. They are hero's for taking care of him at home. It's not an easy life.

Re: Autism

sunshinestory — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 01:22:13 GMT

@Bannafanna

How lucky your son and DIL have you with your understanding of their sacrifice. I still have my son at home too, and had to retire 9 years ago as a nurse to care for him 24/7. Most of my friends that have adult children with autism (that my son went to school with) have placed their children in group homes.

For some it was the right decision and their adult children thrived there and became more independent. For those with adult children with severe autism, everyone of them have been abused in those group homes.

One friend finally opened up a group home of her own after 3 group homes and 3 incidences, becoming a provider. We plan to do the same after my husband retires. My best wishes and prayers for your son and his wife as they lovingly take care of their son.

Re: Autism

blackhole99 — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 01:25:51 GMT

It's hard having one child with Autism let alone 2 or 3. A guy my husband worked with had 3 sons who all had Autism in some form. My husband had one of the boys in his class and mentioned he had some odd mannerisms, the kid had no trouble learning and as long as you didn't try to change his behavior, no problem. The boys are adults now, all graduated from high school and had some advance training after high shool, but cannot live on their own. Hope it works out for the girls.

Re: Autism

Bannafanna — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 01:30:00 GMT

Sunshine58, Thank you for your response. It warmed my heart that you immediately understood the real issues. It truly is a family thing and we learn to go with it, no matter what the circumstances may be at the time. A day at a time.

Re: Autism

dooBdoo — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 23:45:47 GMT

@gloriajean, Of course I will pray for your precious little Aria and Allie. How blessed they are to have you and all of your family. I wish I could be of help, but I have only marginal experience working with autistic children and adults... I can say I have witnessed incredible, miraculous love. Continued prayers for you all.❤️

Re: Autism

wildcat fan — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 03:30:50 GMT

@gloriajean I have been keeping you and your family in my prayers. As an educator, I've worked with autistic middle and high school students. I really enjoyed my time with them. Always a bright spot in my day. Please keep us updated when you can. ❤️

Re: Autism

gloriajean — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 04:35:27 GMT

Thank you for all your responses. After reading some last night I was really scared for them, they are identical twin girls, but Aria seems more unresponsive than Allie, she doesn't seem like she has it, but the district lady thought so too. I keep praying that they won't be diagnosed as autistic, praying for healing. I read that autism can't be cured. Anyway, thank you much for sharing your experiences with me. I learned more than I ever knew about it from you here. Thank you so much for praying for them, that is much appreciated. I'll keep you informed.

Re: Autism

Jinlei — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 20:09:38 GMT

I do not want this to sound dumb, but what causies so many kids today to have autism? When I was growing up (I am in my late 50’s) and I do not remember knowing any kids that had it. Did doctors not know about it back then?

Re: Autism

nomless — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 20:17:19 GMT

@Jinlei wrote:
I do not want this to sound dumb, but what causies so many kids today to have autism? When I was growing up (I am in my late 50’s) and I do not remember knowing any kids that had it. Did doctors not know about it back then?

@Jinlei , part of the reason is because the definition o the disorder has been broadened and diagnostic tecniques have improved. If you pose your question in Google, you will find a lot of articles about the change in prevalence.

Re: Autism

Katcat1 — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 20:20:13 GMT

I doubt that Autism children could make words from the alphabet but I do wish your granddaughters the best. Let us know the test results.