Should I join a support group in my town ?

Post Reply New Topic

Yesterday was the official day to diagnose our 28 month old daughter. She has High function Autism with Sensory integration disorder. There I was an NT with no clue, I just cried. I look at her and forget the label, she is just my baby girl. I feel the need to protect her. I wish we had free therapy instead of a bad insurance that doesn't cover.Life is not so bad, It just seems like that this week. Should I join a support group in my town?

I think you are starting off with the right attitude! Certainly your daughter is not the label. If you think a support group is needed, go for it. I am a grown Aspie, and I have several siblings on the spectrum. IMO, this diagnoses is not a bad thing. Despite what the media says, there are good things about being on the spectrum. And I firmly believe that a child with this DX, who is genuinely loved and accepted by their parents, has an excellent chance at leading a productive and satisfying life.

the dx can hit you like a truck......definitely look into local support groups. check out your state autism board.....look into birth to 3 services through your local school district.....hang in there.

The diagnosis doesn't make any difference. As a friend of mine with AS once told me, "I think my parents did the right thing with me, because they always saw me first as Judy, and then as the diagnosis, and if I were to say anything to the rest of the world about handling kids, I'd say relate to the kid, not to the diagnosis."

She still is your baby girl. You've just got a longer road to walk. She might be just average in a few years, but she might also be brilliant. And so along with all the other stuff, watch for that, and be ready to respond....whatever it takes.....music lessons, math clubs, whatever else really smart kids do. I've been AS all my life, and it never got in my way.

And by the way, if you're a member of WP, you're already a member of one of the biggest support groups in the world. Join a town-based support group if you want, but don't do anything special. "Listen to your daughter, go to school and fish her out of messes she's likely to get into, and keep doing it." And while you're at it, look after your own sanity. An AS kid can be exhausting and crazy making. But As is not a disease....especially if she's HFA. You might be raising one of the great writers of her generation. You're just going to have to wait to find out.

And one other thing, which I'm sure a lot of the people on this board will tell you.....when she's blamed for things, and made fun of (if that happens....and I'm sorry to say, it does) be there to be her support. Believe her over school officials, even when that's hard to do. Autism or not, you'll wind up raising a self-reliant compassionate young woman. Maybe she'll just be average (and she's entitled to that, we all are) but then again, you might be in for the "ride of your life."

Good luck.
Beentheredonethat

Yes, you should join a local support group. There are some regional yahoo and msn groups, just do a search for your area. Those groups help me find local service providers, etc...

The initial diagnosis can be depressing, but your child is still the same the same baby that you fell in love with from the beginning. I feel lucky that I have my son and I'm as proud of him as any mother would be about a NT child.

Yep, join a support group in your community where you can have direct interaction with parents who can help.

beentheredonethat, you are right. thank you for responding . I might be raising a future writer of all times. And yes I will follow your advise in finding an activity for mom , so I can keep my sanity.