RN and Autism Mom

Specialties Disabilities

Published

Hi, I'm Betty. I am a RN who works in Geriatric Psych. But most of all...

I am an Autism mom. My son Jacob, 6, was diagnosed with high functioning Autism when he was almost five. I saw the s/s earlier but was in deep denial. Now I regret not getting help sooner, but since he's been in therapy, we have seen tremendous results.

I never thought about going into Developmental Disability Nursing until now. Can anyone give me pointers to where I might start. I live in TN.

Looking forward to chatting with you all.

Betty

I agree with Tiroka03....even with the kids on the more severe end, working to help make them as functional as possible as far as daily living skills is so important for them as they become older and enter adolescence and adulthood. I did everything for my son, not realizing now that he could do so much for himself. He is nonverbal, but he can learn and be taught. I can't tell him not to feel different because he is disabled, since doesn't really have that type of understanding. It's so hard to give advice about autism, since all of our kids are so different.

Lisa

I know this thread is somewhat old but in case anyone was looking here I wanted to add that my 14year old son has Aspergers. He was nonverbal until about 3yrs old and his gross motor skills were severely lacking. He could not be around loud noises, running water, or alot of external stimulation or have deviations from his routine with out having a melt down. We got him into PT, OT and speech therapy when he entered pre-school. They were the firsts to pick up on it as I was in denial and thought..its okay, he's just a late bloomer.

Let me tell you, the therapy's have been a godsend. He is doing absolutely wonderful now. He is head and shoulders above his peers on all his tests scores, scoring in the 99th percentile for his school. He has his heart set on college and majoring in engineering. He is on the swim team, gets straight A's, is in all advanced classes and is excelling in so many areas. I couldn't be happier.

He still rocks back and forth and does some arm flapping and toe walking when he is absorbed in his thoughts. His locker at school is always placed central to all his classes as having a locker on the opposite end of the building from his classes throws him for a loop. If he perceives himself to be rushed, he has a hard time keeping it together. He only has 2 close friends but is friendly with all his class mates.

He still doesnt know he has aspergers (he knows he has been to therapy obviously but I tell him everyone is different and unique and some people need therapy while other people many need other things to become the best they can be). He is doing so well, I dont want him to "label" himself. When he is older I will tell him but for now he is doing great.

So for parents out there with children that that a developmental disorder that falls under the autism spectrum: Dont think its hopeless. There is help available to these special kids and it is wonderful for them! They can grow up to be happy, healthy and productive people.

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