Podcast 13: Yes, My Child Has Autism!
Posted by Myra on 02 Dec 2008 at 12:14 pm | Tagged as: Autism in the Family, Podcasts
Coming to grips with a diagnosis of Autism.
3 Responses to “Podcast 13: Yes, My Child Has Autism!”
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It is always nice to hear people talk about this honestly. I think a lot of parents, when they first receive the diagnosis, forget that NOTHING HAS CHANGED from the time they walked in. The “label” is different but the child is still the same child they walked into the office with. If he (or she!) was sweet and funny and quirky and loving before the diagnosis, than he will still be the same afterwards…..providing the parents just accept him for who he is and quit making the child feel like he is suffering and has ruined his parents’ life!
I really think the best advice to give to any parent of a child newly diagnosed is, to just “Redefine Normal”. In our house we don’t even know what “normal” is, we just know how we do things! It probably isn’t the same as a lot of people. But if that isn’t OK with some people, then I guess those people aren’t worth having in our lives. Fortunately, there have been more people that have been understanding than not.
Thank you wonderful ladies for everything you do!
Thanks, Niki! Always great to hear from you!!
You hit the nail on the head about the child being the same one you brought into the appointment. I always joke that my son with Autism is “easier” than my “typical” son!! My son with Autism listens to me better!
I don’t think anyone’s house is “normal” even if you don’t have a child with a disability. Things are what they are in any situation and everyone just needs to make the best of every situation.
Thanks again, Niki!!
My friend Angie sent me to this site and I am THRILLED. I am also in Indiana, so it’s so nice to hear familiar terms, like First Steps. My son is 3.5 and autistic and we have him in a developmental preschool and private therapy but we are considering an ABA school next year. I too worry that I am not doing enough, especially as I have an 11 month old baby girl and am expecting another baby in May. I am really, really glad to know about this site. We certainly have been defining a new normal at my house for the last year or so, but really, we’ve been doing that since my son was born so it’s just more shifting and realigning of expectations and priorities. Which I guess all parents do, right? Anyway, thanks, I’m so glad about this site and I intend to listen to all the podcasts!