State: Ga
Country: USA
Member since: Apr 29, 2008
Last logged in: Oct 26, 2008
Hi, I am new to autism and am on a journey to help my son be the best version of himself.
My name is Melissa and I am 33 and married to a wonderful and supportive man named Kevin. I have a step son Taylor who is 8 and a little boy Will who is 22 months old and has Autism. Will is in the inital stages with Babies Can't Wait. He has started Speech therapy and will start Occupational therapy soon. We have started with our DAN! Dr. Sloan and are starting GF/CF and some supplements.
Right now Will has 1-2 words depending on the day. He has some sensory issues (Tactile, Vestibular, proprioceptive, and taste). He has temper tantrams, doesn't sleep, and loves to bang his head. But he is the greatest little boy. He is great at figuring out how to turn things on and off, getting into the smallest places, and making you laugh! He has such a sweet heart!
I am trying to learn as much as possible to not lose precious time!
I try not to focus on the cause of his Autism but I like the saying.... Genetics don't cause Epidemics.
Favorite Compositions (2)
Just wondering which therapies helped your child the most and what changes you h...Read moreBy lilbitofky on 01.01.70
Comments(10)
Having a child is scary, having a child with a disability is even scarier.
...Read more
By LisaAKAmom on 01.01.70
Comments(6)
minnakay's Compositions
by minnakay on 05.20.08 - public - 140 visits
I have been telling my husband since March when autism changed my life that I need a break, watch Will for me, take him to the park, etc. and he would and I still wouldn't fell better, not rested, not refreshed. Today, I finally figured out what it was, I didn't need a break from Will (although sometimes I do, he is almost 2 and likes to hit mommy : ) but what I needed a break from was Autism. I have been consumed by it for the last 3 months. I have not yet gotten to that acceptance phase. I am still in the mourning for my childs normal life, for the fact that he doesn't talk yet, for the moments I fear I won't get with him... phase. I know that it will get better and we are trying to get him help with the biomedical and the DAN, etc. but we can't afford it and I am worrying every minute of every day. I have not gotten the support that I need from my friend, my husband doesn't talk about it with me because he thinks he needs to be strong for me, and I feel so alone. The only reprieve I get is when I come here and feel like someone knows what I am going through and I thank you all for that. I only hope that I can be of some help to all of you as you have been for me.
Comments(10)
4muskateers
Posted on Wed, 21 May 2008
I look at autism as my job...I give it certain hours a day and that's it...I used to live, breath, talk, walk, sleep autism...it was starting to take me too...until I said no more!...the only thing I do now that has to do with a disability is Special Olympics...everything else is in the normal world...some times we do fall down the rabbit hole, but we always find our way back out...I do get time out with people- grown-up people...we have a few laughs, and I don't let them bring up autism...You should try carrying on a conversation with someone you know who is also on the spectrum and state that you guys can not talk about autism...my friend Q, couldn't do it. It was funny I had to keep saying no autism stuff remember...BOY was it hard.
slhh130
Posted on Tue, 20 May 2008
We are all here for you. Its something we all go through. Men do deal differently but acceptance does come. Autism is life for me since I have two. Right now try not to research so much because you will only see worst case senario and make yourself worse. Try to enjoy your baby when you can and get away with a friend. Most of my friends now are other autism moms. I still have other friends but these friends understand. We are closer because of it. We are accepting. Get out in the autism community if you can. I hope you start to feel better soon. One day at at time...
LisaAKAmom
Posted on Tue, 20 May 2008
Hey Sweet Pea! IT'S OK...to be Angry, Frustrated, Overwhelmed, to Cry and even at times To Laugh!!! I understand how you feel....when my son was first diagnosed, Autism was my first waking up thought and my Last thought before I shut my eyes and went to sleep. And I never thought it would change....but it did with Time(alot of Time)...and with other life Hassles! I'm glad you added me as one of your friends and I do look forward to getting to know you better. It does sound like you need a MOMMY Time Out...we all need them from time to time. You know how you sit and look at a problem and try to fix it...and then take a break and come back and pick it back up again...and your more refreshed and can take another try at it. It truely does help me. BTW...Its been 9 years since my son was Diagnosed and I still have my Moments and My Days. One thing I would encourage you to remember, Your little boy is still the little boy you loved before the diagnosis...just now he has a diagnosis. Does your son get any Occupational Therapy? Sounds like he may need some Sensory Imput....my son loved to Swing and Jump on a mini tramp or an old crib matress...sometimes rolling them up in a blanket of a mat helps too. Or a Great Big Box he can Play in.....Just a few Ideas here that might help some. I know richie was Everywhere at that age.
cjkellie
Posted on Tue, 20 May 2008
Taking a break from autism is one of the hardest things I have found to do. Even when he is out with respite or at school. There are always so many things to do. I have to plan everything for him. Try getting time for yourself. . even if you can't leave your house. get you a special candle that is only for when you have tme to be by yourself - even if iit's only minutes.. take a bath - go for a drive. Chad is 16 and taking a break from autism is almost like taking a break from breathing..
KevinLivsDad
Posted on Tue, 20 May 2008
I feel the same as you... OVERWHELMED. Was not even until two weeks ago when we got Liv into her program. Now, I feel like I am on one rail of the track. Dudes think differently your husband is overwhelmed too & worried sick he is just likely dealing with it a different way. Usually, it is retreat for us.
AWETISM
Posted on Tue, 20 May 2008
I am thankful you found foggyrock. I believe we all go through diffrent emotions with ASD at diffrent times. I onece stated in Wit and Wisdom . I thought I would change him but he is changing me. The ways are nothing I ever thought they would be. Not to repeat what others have said but for me it has gotten easier in alot of ways. LOL:)
frogfoot1969
Posted on Tue, 20 May 2008
I know exactly what you mean. I feel so lonely and consumed sometimes. I just take a break from research, doctors etc and try to have some fun and forget for a while. It helps get me refreshed and ready for the next round of Doctor visits. I didn't think we could afford the DAN either but we have been taking it one little step at a time and we have been working it out, so far. Children grow up sooo very fast, don't let Autism consume you and steal away his toddlerhood. I will try to take my own advice.
Mom4Autism
Posted on Tue, 20 May 2008
My first born son has autism. His brother does not. I would take a 'break' from autism by taking my NT son out. I could actually stand in line at the grocery store without screams or stims or my son biting someone. I engulfed myself 24/7 for the first year though. I'd spend 16 hrs. on the computer trying to absorb all this information. I was pregnant at the time. My autistic son is now 14 and doing great. It does get easier. A LOT easier. I can't wait to teach him to drive so he can run my errands. haha. I grieved uncontrollably for the many deaths autism brought when my son was young .. they are now reincarnated. My dreams have come alive ... again.
shannonj
Posted on Tue, 20 May 2008
It's exhausting when you have such tremendous pressure to help your child get better....it is just never far from your mind. I know with me, it was, and still is at times, all-consuming. I'm so glad that you are finding the support that you need here at Foggyrock....
Johanna
Posted on Tue, 20 May 2008
This may not help now but it will get better. Take one day at a time! I have 2 boys on the spectrum (5 1/2 & 19 months) and there are days that I just wish I could get up and go like some of my friends with NT kids. We are working on the DAN and biomedical stuff too! It is alot to take in. If you need someone to talk I am always on the computer so email me.
