Helpful statements for those new ... ?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-16-2006
Helpful statements for those new ... ?
3
Tue, 04-24-2007 - 9:28am

I thought these statements (advice?) might help someone else who is new to all of this, as they helped me…

One thing I was told when we rec’d the diagnosis for DS was actually given to me by a friend who doesn’t have a child with Autism, but it really helped me (& made me cry!): Just remember; Gavin is still the same boy tonight that he was this morning. A diagnosis doesn’t change that.

Another thing I was told when I went to my first support group last week was: Don’t mourn over what your son can’t do. Instead, rejoice in the things he CAN do.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Tue, 04-24-2007 - 11:34am

Those are both very true.


Another one we use a lot of this board:


Don't compare your child to other kids his age. Compare him to himself; 3, 6, 12 months ago. Then you will see the tremendous growth he has achieved and is capable of.


( Obviously, this

-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2006
Tue, 04-24-2007 - 3:16pm

I totally agree with Paula
I don't compare my ds to other 3 yr olds. I compare him to a year ago when we started all the FUN STUFF
He has made great progress.

Nora

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-19-2005
Tue, 04-24-2007 - 4:42pm

You know what, that advice is good even for people who aren't new at this!

I constantly have to remember what Paula said, to just compare Eric to himself, not to his charming NT cousins or kids in the neighborhood. That is really one of the biggest things for me.

Another thing Eric's first ST told me that has helped me is to not focus so much on the autism label, per say, but to rather focus on Eric's individual strengths and weaknesses. That's not to say to deny his ASD, but just break things down. Then it seems more maneagable, somehow. If that makes sense.

Katherine