Always listen

My son turned to me the other day, and told me quiet calmly that his pills are not working. Of course I made an appointment with the doctor and we looked at what he is taking. Then made adjustments accordingly. When he is not well I also listen to what he has to say. The moral is to always listen to what your child has to say and follow up after words.

Coping Strategies

Here are some strategies to dealing with the '"special child".

1) Play-can be both an escape and a way to verbalize feelings. Play can also help with educational learning.
2) Minimize sensory output-have an area where you cane eliminate or minimize noise and lights. Even if it is just dim the lights, have a nice blanket, or a stuffed animal to hold. Even if it a large blanket they can cocoon in, have some way they can eliminate all noise.
3)Let out the frustrations-have some way they can let go of their frustrations. My son likes to take 5 deep breaths. If he is very angry he will let it out on a large stuffed bear.
3)explain change-when there is a change in the routine explain what they change is. Also try to put a benefit the change will have. Have them try and find a good meaning in the change. Give a treat to survive the change.
4)accept the person-accept all the good and bad in your child
5)be consistent-use the same techniques in all the things you do

All those wounderful tests

As you are going through the diagnosis phase you are hopeful that the results come from science. The reality is that at most it is a guessing game. The expects have behavioral checklists they go through to get a diagnosis. Some of these tests are even available online for you to self-take. With all the extra information out there it is hard to trust the experts. Especially when you feel like you know you're child better than anyone else. With that in mind how can you trust the system fully?
As I went through the process I found that combining my knowledge with the experts was the key. You don't understand what the expert is saying look at medical journals. Ask questions and find the answers in all sources. It always helps to get second and even third opinions.

What for you was the scariest part of going through diagnosis?

Words from the autistic child week1

Here is this weeks phrases that come right from my son:

"I need to spread my wings" said after we grounded him from the tablet and he wanted to watch videos.