Re: OT - sigh

Anita -- please know that this is NOT the end of your son's world. Or yours! It probably feels
that way. It did when my son got his diagnosis... not autism... but includes behaviors from autism
and much more.

Please also know that autism is a VERY VERY broad term -- and that the manifestations of autism vary
significantly. There is no one "picture" of what an individual with autism looks like. No one
picture of what their successes and failures will include. Thus each day will be an adventure --
full of new surprises. Some welcomed... some not. But don't develop any preconceptions of what
living with "autism" will be like. I can guarantee you that whatever you imagine -- it will be
different.

Start reading... also start keeping a diary of behaviors -- when things go well and when they go
wrong. In that diary note what foods Pillbug had eaten recently or what activities he had engaged
in. It is amazing how often we can identify "triggers" for good and bad episodes and then adjust
our life around them. Write down how he responds to certain situations. Note his highs and lows.
This will be extremely valuable as you begin to work with professionals.

How old is Pillbug? If he is toddler/preschool age -- if you haven't been referred
already --contact your local early intervention provider. With the diagnosis of autism -- he
immediately qualifies. He will be eligible for services (as appropriate) from speech therapists, to
developmental teachers to even occupational therapists who can assist with everything from eating
problems, sensory problems (my son hated tags and scratchy clothes -- would rip shirts apart to get
the tags out), and so much more.

Please feel free to contact me privately for more information. My son has mild autism behaviors but
also has dealt with ADHD, bi-polar, seizures, and mental retardation, brain tumors and kidney
tumors. So I've been around the block -- more than once. (His diagnosis is called Tuberous
Sclerosis -- and TSC is one of the leaders in the known "causes" of autism.)

So please have hope. The materials we received when our DS#3 was diagnosed was all HORRIBLE!!!
While this isn't what we wanted for him... it life is FAR BETTER then the materials we were given
upon diagnosis. Pillbug's journey will be different than you planned -- but can still be full of
excitement and successes and love from his family.

Kate in MI



"Irrational Number" <nospam@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:zcrIf.1622$JR6.375@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Pillbug has been diagnosed autistic. We just
got back from the Lucile Packard children's
hospital. I'm kind of numb.

-- Anita --


.

Relevant Pages

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