Looking for PDD friends

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2006
Looking for PDD friends
9
Tue, 06-13-2006 - 9:13pm
Hi all. My DS was diagnosed April 19th (never will forget that day for the rest of my life) w/ PDD. WE live in Pittsburgh PA and have a hard time meeting people with children like ours. I love the boards but we are looking to have play dates or just someone to call to help each other out. WE are so new to all this. Just started Wrap Around and waiting to set up my IEP for preschool. We do the early intervention but that will end July when my DS turns 3. I feel so alone cause our familes just don't get it. Our closest friends just don't get it either. I just love the line "be he talks" when you explain PDD is in the autism family. ARRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Tue, 06-13-2006 - 9:32pm

Hello and welcome.

-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2006
Tue, 06-13-2006 - 9:37pm
Thanks. Heck I'll even be happy to chat with bordering counties.
Just looking for people in same boat.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2004
Tue, 06-13-2006 - 9:38pm

When Ds turns 3, any chance you'll be starting him in a therapeutic preschool? This was where we first started to meet other kids like Malcolm and get to know their wonderful families as well. And a whole new world opened up, which we are still very actively involved with. Slowly, slowly, he learned lots about other kids and friendship.

Setting up playdates and all hanging out together was ALSO very good for the moms and dads, so maybe ask your EI therapists if they know some nice families and can help you get connected? Autism organizations in the area?

Just a few thoughts,

Sara

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-20-2001
Tue, 06-13-2006 - 9:42pm
Oddly enough you got your Diagnosis a year to the day that we got ours!

 


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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2006
Tue, 06-13-2006 - 9:46pm
Adam will start an "enrichment" summer camp next week and preschool this fall so I am looking forward to that. I do know one mom who I see at the park with her son who goes to my son's school. So we bump into one another on occassion and the kids play. By law at our area they can't recommend family to family unless it's an unfunded support group. We are doing a cookout with PDD families at the end of JULY.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 06-13-2006 - 9:47pm

Hi! I'm Christie and I live in a small suburb West of Cleveland, Ohio......about two hours away from you.....a little too far for playdates but close enough for conferences and specialists. I think Tina may be from PA......I can't remember......

One of the first things I did was look for local support......I've got a couple of suggestions......contact some of the local school districts in your area.....the PTA from my son's school district got me in contact with a parents support group right in my own backyard....this group has been one of the best resources I have found....a lot of Been There, Done That parents. Also, check with local therapy centers....some run parent education/training classes and support groups. Check Yahoo groups.....I found a local group through them as well.

I hope to see you around here often and to learn more about you and your family.

Take care,
Christie (mom to two boys: Vaughn (8 yrs old aspie) and Jack (almost 2)

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2006
Tue, 06-13-2006 - 9:47pm

You are a doll I'll add you to my buddies
add me to your's

irishwildrose@comcast.net

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2006
Tue, 06-13-2006 - 9:52pm

Thanks!
Did the support group thing. Waiting for cookout etc. We got 3 agency's we are working with and one we are phasing out cause ADAM will be 3 next month. My early intervetion comes to an end. I will miss my Behavior and Speech dearly. My son LOVES them.
We got denied private speech (go figure) but will get in class speech?!
We plan on paying out of pocket for private again. The girl who does it now agreed to tutor thru the summer to help ADAM out till school starts full time in fall.
WE are doing the summer enrichment camps and getting wrap around etc.
Busy Busy Busy.

Thanks for the heads up
Will keep ya posted

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 06-14-2006 - 12:16am

Paula,

You think PA is enormous, try driving through Kansas....eweeeee shudder......The memories. That state NEVER ends.

Anyway, I went to college near pittsburgh but currently live in S. Cali. In a city like Pitt there should be an ASA with support group meetings you may want to try attending. Also in preschools sometimes the parents get to know each other or they may have some parent groups there. You could even volunteer in the class and maybe try to find some playmates for your child there.

And of course this board is always here for support, guidance, etc. I have met some of my bestest friends on this board. Christmas cards, phone calls, and all. Heck even went to visit one at thier home for a weekend last fall. I wonder how parents did it years ago with no boards and when autism was really really rare.

Renee

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