Is it just me?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2007
Is it just me?
3
Mon, 06-18-2007 - 12:12am
Ok...this is gonna sound a little strange to most of you I think. My ds was diagnosed last Wed. with pdd-nos and ever since that time, I have had this overwhelming urge to DO SOMETHING for autism awareness in my area. I don't know why! I mean, it's not a bad cause, but I don't know why I have such an URGE to do something all of a sudden! I feel like...well...a heel. Almost like I don't deserve to help out with something of this magnitude...and it IS a major undertaking. Ok...i feel like a REALLY TINY fish in a BIG DAMNED OCEAN!! I mean am I wrong for feeling like this? Someone please give me some kind of feedback..please!
Jen
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 06-18-2007 - 12:51am

There are lots of things you can do and every little bit helps. Even just raising awareness within your own community of people helps.

Some things I do
-I have an autism awareness magnet on my car. It does cause some folks to feel ok with approaching me about it. Met many other parents of ASD kids that way

-I have autism awareness cards that I give out if need be due to behavioral outburst or interest or anytime we are introducing son to a new group he will be involved in.

-I have done autism races and walks. Those are fun and raise some money. Get to meet other families.

-I am a member of the local autism society of america. they have regular fund raisers and need frequent volunteer help.

There are some other things I have done in the past but this is the crux of it really at this time and it is enough. I don't even do that much for the ASA here other than give my donorship lately. I haven't had time to do the meetings and we use it for Mike's autism camp. But maybe these will give you some ideas.

raising awareness in our community is important. People need to see other people with autism around so it isn't this weird, scary entity. It will help them understand our children and accept them better as they get older. I think that is the best way to help. Just around the people you know.

Renee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-28-2006
Mon, 06-18-2007 - 2:48am

Nope not just you. Even before I got the dx written on paper I felt this need to teach others about this disorder. That NT people need to understand. I don't know how many times I was embarrassed over my childs behavior's, and now I'm not so embarrassed anymore. I now tend to tune them out (the other NT's that is)

Its a good thing to spread the word and teach, to shout out to the world, my child has Autism, and I will not be ashamed, blamed, or judged, just because you don't understand this disorder.

You will go thru many emotions in the future. Just know we are all here for you. I am still jumping back and forth with my own emotions, and I suspected from last OCT.

It takes time, I certainly know it will take me more time. Heck I still feel like a newbie. My kids haven't even started services yet.

Good luck Jen, and welcome to the club that we all don't want to belong too. You will find that this group of women (and sometimes men) are the best you can ever get with questions, info and support ect...

Lainie

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2006
Mon, 06-18-2007 - 8:45am
Hi Jen!
Not at all strange. Nick was just officially dx last week and I feel the same too. We are going to our first support group for Aspie's/PDD tomorrow night and I am excited as it is a "Bring your child" night. My Mom is even going with us as she is trying to learn as much as she can so she can support us and give us a break. She has never seen the rage side of Nick, but she wants me to teach her how to deal with Nick if it ever happens. I am hoping to come away from the meeting with some information how I can get involved, I love to do volunteer work as well. I also feel the need to educate people now as most people have never heard of AS or PDD. I think knowledge is power and the more you know, the more you can teach and help people be compassionate. Go with it!
Christine

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Christine