sarahlee Report post Posted March 3, 2009 Hi there, My eldest son has recently been diagnosed with ASD, it is mild but stll there enough to impact on family life. I fully expected the diagnosis but have not taken it so well, i dont want him having this, i feel like he has lost part of his identity and want it just to go away, i dont want to take him to the appoinment with the specialist as it all feels too much and i worry that i am damaging him by giving him this label. I feel very confused about it all. I look forward to getting to know you and maybe some understanding of what is ahead. My name is Sarah and i am 29, im a SAHM to my 3 boys who are 9,5 and 2. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NickyB Report post Posted March 3, 2009 Hi Sarah and welcome to the forum Diagnosis is a very tricky time full of mixed emotions. Take it easy on yourself and give it time to sink in. You'll find lots of support here <'> Take care Nicky x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sarahlee Report post Posted March 3, 2009 Hi Sarah and welcome to the forum Diagnosis is a very tricky time full of mixed emotions. Take it easy on yourself and give it time to sink in. You'll find lots of support here <'> Take care Nicky x Thanks for the welcome Nicky, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
purplehaze Report post Posted March 3, 2009 Hi, it can be hard to hear the dx whether you thought it or not. Take your time to understand it and use the support of those around you. When you go to the appointment tell them you are finding it hard and they should help you with information, parent courses, support etc. When my son was given his dx I felt weird and a little dazed and I always thought he may have ASD as I work in education Gook luck xxx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cmuir Report post Posted March 3, 2009 Hi I understand how you're feeling right now. Although pre-diagnosis, my son was receiving some support, I found post-diagnosis that a lot more doors started opening. Whilst having a diagnosis doesn't excuse some of the more undesirable behaviours, it nevertheless explains a lot. As a result, I believe that some (not all!) people are a bit more tolerant and perhaps understanding knowing that my son has a formal diagnosis (without a label, some assumed I was a 'soft touch' parent and my son was simply badly behaved). The whole diagnostic process eg visiting to consultant's, constant assessments, etc is a huge learning curve. I think the key is to try and get as much out of these visits as your can. This can be difficult as most don't have a great deal of time. Even sitting in waiting rooms can be an eye opener - just seeing how other children on the spectrum present themselves. In addition, it can be an opportunity to meet others in the same position. As you say, this is part of your child's identity. I recently did a BBC Scotland radio interview and I was keen to point out that people who are on the spectrum have a great deal to offer. Being different is a good thing and that these people make, eg, highly desirable employees - highly motivated, intelligent, perfectionists, often roles with NTs would see as monotonous, people on the spectrum are attracted/well suited to (because of repetitive/rituatlistic type preferences) People like Bill Gates, Einstein, etc are reported to be/have been autistic - these are people that have changed lives! The list goes on. I think the key is acceptance (you've no doubt been on an emotional rollercoaster!) which can take some time and then getting support. We all run out of steam - key is to recharge your batteries every now and again. Best wishes Caroline Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Karen A Report post Posted March 4, 2009 Hi sarah Welcome to the Forum. Ben was dx AS a few months ago.I had been around on the Forum for a couple of years and so it should not have been a shock.However I have still had very mixed up feelings over the last few months. <'> <'> Karen. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clare63 Report post Posted March 4, 2009 I think a dx is rather like a breavement you have to go through all the stages of emotions and feels before final acceptance. Things do get better. <'> <'> <'> Clare Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bluefish Report post Posted March 6, 2009 Hi my son was dx'd in december 2007 and even though I knew that it was coming i will never forget that day as long as I live, 17th December 2007 2pm It was put in writting and it was real I felt like I had been kicked in the face by a horse. Even if you know and have fought to get a dx( I did not know and nursery started the ball rolling) it is still a huge blow. try to relax god dam it hurts but your child is the same child you loved and adored and the" label" will open doors to get support they need. Thinking if you But remember nothing has changed just means more help may be available xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
