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Caroline
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| Posted: April 12 2010 at 7:04pm | IP Logged
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My 3yo son has qualified for the Autism Preschool in our school district, but the earliest appointment for a developmental pediatrician is at the end of June so we won't have the official diagnosis until then. But there is no question that it's coming.
He's in preschool from 8:15 to 10:45, 5 days a week but I want to help him at home too. I'm reading Playing, Laughing and Learning with Children on the Autism Spectrum and I have a Temple Grandin book coming from Amazon.
We're starting the gfcf diet and I'm looking into making PECS for home too. There's just so much information out there and I'm trying to sift through it all. It's just so overwhelming.
If you have any book/blog suggestions or any general pearls of wisdom for a newbie, I would appreciate it so much.
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Devoted Wife to  and Mama to three beautiful boys and another little boy due in September , and two beautiful souls in heaven
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drmommy
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| Posted: April 14 2010 at 9:30am | IP Logged
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Welcome! We started the gluten free diet 2 weeks ago, and my daughter's stomach problems ended, and I feel great!! She has Polymicrogyria, which can have accompanying seizures, and I have read that going gf can help. She doesn't have any seizures, but I want to be pro-active in preventing them.
She is not autistic, but developmentally delayed (she is 7 and mentally a 5 year old). My pearl of wisdom is to relax, enjoy them, and know that our dear Lord has given these jewels for US!!
I don't have any books that have really helped me...but saying the daily Rosary has clarified so many things, and has opened up my heart and soul, and has gifted me with patience (well, the graces have!!).
Do not be afraid to explore other options for homeschooling, and to mix things up a bit. Just pray every day for guidance and direction, and that way you can just relax, because all is taken care of.
Yes, there is lots of information, and it can get very, very overwhelming. I have to PULL myself off the computer, which is why I am up somewhat early to research and read. I don't like to be on the computer when my children are up and need me. So, keep reading and keep a notebook of ideas...that helps me. I tend to forget a lot, so the notebooks help. I carry small ones in my purse for gluten free, Mary's condition and needs and notes, and an inspiration booklet that I can whip out while waiting in line, or read in between patients.
I wish I had better advice, but this is what is on top of my head at the moment.
God bless you, and it seems like you are really on top of everything....your baby has a good mommy.
Bridget
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Amanda
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| Posted: April 14 2010 at 5:30pm | IP Logged
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So many books and things have helped that I don't want to overwhelm you right away!
One thing that I often come back to is remembering that the Blessed Mother raised a child who had "special needs"!
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mom to ds '97, dd '03, ds '07, and dd 1/11
St. Margaret Clitherow Homeschool
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At_His_Feet
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| Posted: April 27 2010 at 10:35pm | IP Logged
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Hi Caroline,
I can recommend a book called Smiling at Shadows It's an autobiography about an Australian family whose son is now a grown man. The family converted to the Catholic church when their son was little. It's a wonderful book as the mum has walked the journey at a time when there was very little support and much misunderdtanding. Not a how to book, just a good read by a mum who has walked a difficult path and who has much wisdom and hope to offer.
Tricia
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Tricia
Mum to 3 boys 17, 15, and 10.
Do whatever He tells you
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Amazing_Grace
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| Posted: May 25 2010 at 6:36am | IP Logged
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Welcome to the group Caroline!
I have a son who was dx with ASD when he was in third grade. We have been through it all and some how we have persevered and he is doing well in college (keep your fingers crossed). In June 2009 he graduated from high school with Honors and now he is at the local junior college and plans on transferring to a four year university majoring in Engineering.
My blog: Moms of Special Needs Children might be of some help.
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Isa in Michigan
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| Posted: May 25 2010 at 8:18am | IP Logged
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I recently read a book called "Son Rise" about a family in the 70's who's child was diagnosed as severely autistic. They decided to develop their own program at home of intensive 1 on 1 sessions (70 hours a week)and after four months their son was like any other child (even more advanced in some areas). They currently have a program to teach other parents how to interact with their autistic children, and there are a lot of success stories. Here is the link: http://www.autismtreatmentcenter.org/
My sixth son showed all the classic autistic symptoms between 2-3 (no eye contact, didn't play with his siblings, would do repetive actions for long periods of time, no talking). He is 3 1/2 and he has improved a lot. He will now have regular eye contact with smiles, has no repetive actions, and plays with his siblings. He has very little speech ability, so we put him in an Early Childhood Developmental Delay classroom. At this point we just celebrate every little accomplishment. I have always been confident that he will be normal, so I am focusing on the present (and using some things I learned from the "Son Rise" book).
If you'd like, feel free to contact me.
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Mother to Francisco(10), Rafael(9), Teresa(7), Rosa(6), Lucia(4), Tommy(3), Miguel(1) & 4 in heaven
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lovemy4
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| Posted: May 25 2010 at 4:47pm | IP Logged
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GFCF made the world of difference for my two boys. A WORLD of difference. I am summing up the courage to do the GAPS diet. I have done a lot of research over the years (as I'm sure many here have) and the book "Gut and Psychology Syndrome" by Natasha McBride seemed to tie all the loose pieces together....but it is a tough diet....much tougher than GFCF. Start at GFCF and see if it helps....at least read the GAPS book if you can....I think it's helpful in explaining what is going on internally even if you can't do everything she suggests.....
Welcome to a new, exciting, challenging but equally rewarding life......
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Mom to 5! Four here, one with Him.
DS 6 DD 6 DS 4 DS 15 months
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Meredith80
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| Posted: June 24 2010 at 6:49pm | IP Logged
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Hi Caroline. I have seen this post several times and have finally decided to comment, though without "advice." I just wanted to say that I can relate to what you're going through, as I have a three-year-old son who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum in May. His official diagnosis is PDD-NOS, and he'll be starting preschool at the public school in the fall, as well. He's also beginning some other therapies (I don't even remember what they're called, it's all so new!) with a community organization that helps such kids. I find daily life challenging with him, so I'm grateful for the help at this point.
We'll be starting "kindergarten" at home with our oldest son (5) in the fall, and we have a busy crawler. So that makes three boys for us, too!
God bless you. It's nice to know that we're not alone on this journey.
~Meredith
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melanie
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| Posted: June 25 2010 at 7:08am | IP Logged
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Hi Caroline. My 5yo was diagnosed with classic autism in February. I very much remember that overwhelmed feeling,,,still feel it sometimes. Let me know how the diet works out. I haven't tried it yet...maybe someday. My son is a very, very limited eater with lots of sensory issues and I just haven't felt brave enough to tackle that. He's also made huge improvements with therapy already, so I'm just kind of riding that wave right now.  There is a yahoo group for homeschooling with autism, but it's not as active as I'd hoped it would be...
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Melanie
homeschooling Maria (13yo), Kain (10yo), Jack (5yo), Tess (2yo), and our newest blessing, Henry Robert, born 4/23!
slightlycrunchycatholic.blogspot.com
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melanie
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| Posted: June 25 2010 at 7:09am | IP Logged
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Oh, and I just got a book from the library called "Homeschooling with Autism"? Something like that. You probably aren't ready for that if he's only 3 anyway!
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Melanie
homeschooling Maria (13yo), Kain (10yo), Jack (5yo), Tess (2yo), and our newest blessing, Henry Robert, born 4/23!
slightlycrunchycatholic.blogspot.com
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4Real Forums : Special Blessings
Topic: Hi ASD Moms. May I join you?
