New baby on the way

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I've just posted this email to a forum for parents with children with visual

impairments, but I'm wondering if anyone on this list might have some ideas as

well... I don't think I've posted here before so thank you in advance for any

insight you are able to share : )

Hi everyone,

We have some wonderful news to share in that we are expecting a new baby. I am

quite far along already - 30 weeks today!

The baby will be born right around Mira's 5th birthday. This babe's due date is

actually the same as what Mira's was.

In addition to being completely blind, Mira has been diagnosed with Autism.

Mira surprises a lot of people as she is remarkably social and playful, and is

increasingly verbal

but does have significant challenges with expressive language (less so with

receptive, we think, though it is hard to assess exactly what she comprehends -

though she is good at attending to what she likes and demonstrates with

abundance her understanding when her requests are met with a " no " ), pretend play

and taking the perspective of others continue to be difficult for her. She

continues to need a lot of emotional support and comforting from and I on a

daily basis.

We have been talking to her a great deal about the new baby, but are not sure

how much she is understanding or how better to prepare her for this major

transition. She talks about how she is going to be a big sister - an idea she

understands somewhat as she has a big sister - and she absolutely lights up in

smiles when she feels the baby move, though I'm not sure how any of this

translates into the reality of a squirmy little baby coming to stay!

I know many of you have welcomed new children into your lives and thought

someone out there might have some valuable insight as to what we might do to

help make this experience make more sense to Mira.

Warmly,

Bridie