Welcome new members

[Guest guest]

Just wanted to welcome everyone who has come aboard.

I am Irma, wife, mother to " My 3 sons " , my youngest is who was

dx'd with Trisomy 21 at birth, missed numerous of years during his

younger days.

When my son was 12 y/o as I was about to throw in the towel unable to

handle him anymore with various behavior challenges thrown our way, he

was getting older and stronger.

Once we decided it was time to invest into a computer for my middle

son as he was always given some type of projects to do within the

Gifted and Talented Program, it was one of the best investment.

As I was determine to finds some answers, would stay up late at night

Googling away.

I was hooked, once I came across the Disability Solutions Newsletter -

http://www.disabilitysolutions.org/newsletters/files/three/3-5-6.pdf

my prayers were answered, this is why I am here on this listserve as

there were actually others who wrote similar stories as what I was

going through.

I finally fit in and could relate, it is always following your gut

instinct.

My son was diagnosed at a late age of about 13 y/o with autism. I did

not know anything about autism. This just open the doors to where we

are at, going on 20 y/o next month.

As your child becomes an adolescent, a whole new set of challenges arise.

First thing first, many here will share with you, how you can expand

your knowledge of when your child is dx'd with autism. Learn methods

that can dramatically increase the potential of someone with autism.

Plus, information on current treatment options to help you make the

right decision for your loved one.

Many reading this will see this as a broken record as this is not all

my saying, just repeating what has been shared my way during my

desperate moments.

It's true that early detection and early treatment are the 2 key

factors in improving the life of the person with the dual dx's of DS &

AU.

One could get bogged down in confusion and unable or unaware of the

necessary steps to take. Raising a child with autism brings new

challenges to our family, so glad you have come aboard.

You will review from personal stories from many who are traveling this

journey on how they cope with day-to-day situations as they arise,

including complex challenges in every arena given. You can post almost

any question and some parent or group of parents will have answers,

good answers or just lend a shoulder to lean on.

Know that you are not alone, it is one of the greatest gift you can

give them for the future.

Autism:

http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/autism.cfm

Click these links.e

# First Signs, Inc ( * external resource)

# Learn The Signs. Act Early. Campaign Web Site

New Reports on Autism

Recent studies could lead to earlier identification and management.

By Debbie Linchesky

Posted on June 23, 2008

Two new clinical reports from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

will help pediatricians recognize an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

earlier and guide families to effective interventions, which

ultimately will improve the lives of affected children and their families.

The first report, titled " Identification and Evaluation of Children

with Autism Spectrum Disorders, " provides detailed information on

signs and symptoms so pediatricians can recognize and assess ASD in

their patients. Educational strategies and associated therapies, which

are the cornerstones of treatment, are reviewed in the second report,

titled " Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. "

Read more.........

http://occupational-therapy.advanceweb.com/editorial/content/editorial.aspx?cc=1\

10218

Just wanted to share a wee bit as you do not want precious time wasted

while they are young.

Irma,19,DS/ASD