nikki2307

T has started this kind of thing recently- 'inappropriate' laughter and crying. Just starts doing one or the other, with no outside stimulus. His paed says it's quite common for ASD kids to behave this way- whether as a stress release mechanism or something else, I don't know. But he's usually fine within a few minutes. I thought the laughter was bad until he started the crying as well- that's so upsetting for all of us.

That is so lovely!

Eh? House Atreides- I thought that was something to do with Dune. Or, for the purists, something to do with Greek mythology. But I've never heard of Elementalist.

I understand, RQ, and I think we all get sick and tired repeating ourselvesto all the different specialists. My son is also 4 and recently we've had his dx- ASD with additional learning disability. He can't even manage a pincer grip to hold a pen/pencil. But we've been offered no OT or physio for his obvious lack of co-ordination and....guess what? Yep, he's in a mainstream primary but having to come home from his Reception class at 11.30 every day due to lack of support. This will change in January when he must attend full time....I hope by then his statement will be back and he'll have 'appropriate support'. Ha ha ha . Hang in there, RQ!

T doesn't spin any of his toys and occasionally lines them up but not often. Otherwise classic ASD though- flapping, stimming, tip toeing etc. Likes to spin himself rather than anything else. And adores making loud noises- especially when we're out but also when he's tired. Over excitement and fatigue produces the severest stimming/ noise. When he concentrates, he can be quiet and stim free but only in the right environment.

Thanks, guys, for your support. Well, this is one topic that's a hottie. On the whole, I think we all agree that, where possible, 2 loving parents (together or not) are the ideal. My children's dad left before he knew T was autistic (T was a mere foetus at the time) and my antenatal stress was tentatively put forward as a possible 'cause' of T's ASD. I did, admittedly, go to pieces when my husband left. Frankly, I'll never know and don't really want to. It's irrelevent. My ex and I have an amicable relationship, I get on fine with his girlfriend and they both treat the boys well, and they now have a baby of their own. He travels 120 mile round trip 3 weekends out of 4 to pick up the boys then the same to drop them back off. Logistical problems notwithstanding, it works for all of us. And I agree with Malika that parents who emotionally blackmail their exes over the children are t*ssers. The boys' stepdad was emotionally abusive. But with the kids he was wonderful. He left of his own accord and I'm now much happier and a better mum. The time I was devoting to angst and desperation is now given to the kids and myself. For us, it's working. The boys have a dad and I'm in no rush at all to have a new partner. In an ideal world, I'd have a loving, emotionally articulate Sean Bean lookalike as a partner But for the moment, we're having a blast on our own. And I don't feel that the boys are missing out.

T's CDC assessment was done at a local hospital. In attendance were: me, T (obviously!), Ed Psych, Health Visitor, Paed, Speech Therapist and...( drumroll, please) our SENCO, whose offer to go in for the assessment was a lovely surprise. Between them, we got our dx. They've all, without exception, been great. Although the dx process did take 2 years.... And we're still waiting for the statement to come back.... Maybe, like us, you've got a good SENCO. The system makes cynics of us all. Good luck!

Thanks, Nellie! Found some really helpful stuff!

Does anyone know where I can find a local support group? This forum is great and so is the other one I've just posted the same question on, but I'd really like to get out and meet some people. Especially if I can bring T and maybe introduce him to other ASD kids. I know the kids would probably all ignore one another, but you get what I mean? I'm in Bradford. Thanks.

Fingers crossed for you that you get a dx- it's good that T was observed in a 'normal' situation and that the woman got some idea of what you deal with. Sad that the LSA is going- but lovely that she's been so close to you both and enjoyed the pressies/card/letter. Maybe you're on the right track? Course- you know T better than anyone else! Roll on a dx for you so maybe someone can give T the proper support, especially with his LSA going.

I'm an NT female with 1 NT son and 1 son with ASD

Um..T's dad left when I was pregnant. His stepdad left last week after 4 years. Hope I'm a better mum than partner!

Hi Elun- this is a great place to find support. I've only just joined myself. I have one NT son, aged 8 and a 4 year old son recently dx with ASD plus additional learning disabilities. Look forward to getting to know you and everyone else! Nikki

We had a dx this week so I know how you feel. I've been told to let it sink in for a while- feels a bit odd knowing for sure after so long. Is your lad statemented? What's happening with his support at school? Hang in there and hugs to you!

Love it! My hubby actually dances about to this now when I play it- he used to go out to all night dance events - dragged me to a few- but now we're too old and tend to sleep all weekend. Ar!