My nephew might be on the spectrum......
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| Mon, 11-14-2005 - 3:25pm |
Well, I've had a few interesting days lately. I was talking to my brother, and he told me about his conference that he had with his son's teacher. He's delayed in his speech, and I've always seen some autie traits too.
He's 4 and in a head start program and get speech therapy. They informed him that my nephew has been getting fixated on things and not interacting with the other kids. I told my brother that is exactly what Nathan's teacher had said about him. My brother was not surprised. He's been thinking that his son is probably autistic for some time now!!!
We talked for a bit, and my nephew seems to be displaying alot of autie tendencies. But my brother isn't sure if he's going to get him evaluated!!!!! I tried to tell him that even though he is getting speech, he and his wife need to do their homework and do what they can for him. He hasn't even mentioned his concerns to his wife!!!!!
He's been having marital difficulties, and she has medical problems. I think he's just really stressed right now, and I feel for him. They also have a 1yr old and he's struggling to find someone to watch the kids, because my sil doesn't seem to be able to do this.
I know I've done what I can. It's up to him now. But it's hard to just sit here and watch. My nephew's speech is worse than Nathan's was at this age, so it does worry me. Not alot of consistency in his life too. I just have to wait and see what happens, I guess.
Michelle

I know it's hard to sit back and watch someone you love not get the help they need. My own sister's child has very obvious sensory issues but my sister and BIL are in complete denial.I gave her "The out of sync child", I thought she'd be able to see similarities with her own daughter but I don't think she ever read it. Sometimes, as hard as it is, you just have to let it go. Hopefully, as time goes by your brother and SIL will see how important therapy is for their son.
Don't give up hope!
Teresa
Oh man Michelle, I have so TOTALLY been in your shoes. I know I have mentioned here before that I have a classically autistic but high functioning nephew. Guess who had the pleasure of bringing that up the first time. He is 8 now but I was quite hated by my BIL when he was 2-3.
It took a while and eventually the one they listened too was not me but someone else. In fact I believe that other mom has the recognition for being the first to tell them, lol. But now we are really close.
Best I can tell you is just to be open an available. They know where you have been with Nathan and as long as you make yourself open for communication they will likely slowly seek more support from you. Every once in a while just ask how it is going. Let them know if they ever want to talk, etc.
Good luck,
Renee