Welcome and Stettie

[Guest guest]

Hi, Everyone....Welcome to the group, and Stettie. Glad you found us.

I have a son, Gareth, who is 15 yrs. old. The ages your kids are were some

of the hardest yrs. for us. We spent a lot of time home......not wanting to

get him upset or not wanting to deal with the behaviors that were embarrassing

to us. Normal DS kids didn't act like he did, and I would get upset myself by

his behaviors and acting out. Of course, at that time for him (ages 3 & 4),

there was no dual dx. for our kids. My son never did the PECS for communication.

He had a few signs and answered 'yes or no' to questions. He would get VERY

upset if/when you didn't ask the right questions. Stop to think about it, if

you went through life only able to answer 'yes or no' then you would be pretty

'pissy' most of the time, too, especially if YOU wanted to tell something and

didn't have the words to do it. It does get better....you are privileged to

have an early dx. of the autism and can get it addressed immediately. The

AUTISM is your child's primary dx. now.....it makes the DS look like a walk in

the

park. My son is doing very well today.....a combination of hard work by our

family, schools, therapists, and meds. Can't really offer you any more advice

but want you to know we are all here to listen....you are not alone in your

struggles. Sometimes, that is all you need to get through the day....knowing

there are other kids out there like yours. It took a while for me, but now I

make sure people know that he's also autistic and there is a reason for his

behaviors. Take care, Everyone.

Margaret