My Son is Autistic.

Today was DS's (3 years old) autism screening at Riley Children's Hospital. We have waited 3 months for this appointment, and today after DS seeing the child psychologist and developmental pedi, he fits most characteristics of autism, and is on the spectrum, somewhere. His cognitive is GREAT. His speech is concerning, as are his tantrums, social skills, and understanding of language. They also took some blood to check for any genetic abnormalities. We kind of knew for a while that he has it, and now we know for sure. He is so smart though. He just turned 3, and he knows and recognizes what a circle, square, rectangle, triangle, circle, diamond, heart, star, and octagon are. He can count to 20 forwards and backwards. He knows the alphabet and can recognize any number or letter in any font or order. Thanks for reading, just wanted to share... also, if you have any kids on the spectrum, I'd love to read your stories and how your children are doing.

Sounds like you have a special little boy there!   its amazing that he recignizes so much stuff.

Quoting Brittany Riot:" Sounds like you have a special little boy there!   its amazing that he recignizes so much stuff."

thank you  

I'm glad you got some answers. It's always a bitter sweet day to get a diagnosis, I'm sure.

We went through something similar. Good luck to you!

<blockquote><b>Quoting HotMom21ERF:</b>" thank you  "</blockquote>




You're welcome.  

Quoting Meg ♥:" I'm glad you got some answers. It's always a bitter sweet day to get a diagnosis, I'm sure. We went through something similar. Good luck to you!"

it is bittersweet, you are right. i just worry about his future, ya know? i want him to be able to go to college if he wants to, get a good job, get married, have kids....

With his cognitive abilities, at a high level, he might have a perfectly normal life! His social and behavioral skills will grow with age, therapy, meds, etc... I have autistic children (teenagers) in my classes, that great! They are, in an inclusive setting, and have been for much of their school career. You can tell there is something a little different, but they have friends and are college bound  .

Quoting Historymomma:" With his cognitive abilities, at a high level, he might have a perfectly normal life! His social and ... [snip!] ... of their school career. You can tell there is something a little different, but they have friends and are college bound  ."

thank you! that is very reassuring!!

<blockquote><b>Quoting HotMom21ERF:</b>" thank you! that is very reassuring!!"</blockquote>




All depends on where he is on the au spectrum. You got his diagnosed early, so that is great; I have noticed the kids whose parents who live in denial, have a more difficult time. I am not a SPED specialist, but I have spent time with au kids, taught them, and had a good friend who is a specialist (au). Good luck mommy, stay strong!

Quoting Historymomma:" <blockquote><b>Quoting HotMom21ERF:</b>" thank you! that is very reassuring!!"</blockquote> ... [snip!] ... but I have spent time with au kids, taught them, and had a good friend who is a specialist (au). Good luck mommy, stay strong!"

thank you!

Good luck on your new journey. I think your son has a bright future as well, considering his cognitive level. The tantrums and such will even out as he gets older and his communication gets better. My son (just turned 4) was diagnosed at 2, suspected at 15 months. We are currently doing IBI (intensive behavioral therapy) 25-30 hours a week , 2 therapists a day come to my home to help him. I too worried about his future, especially because we are older parents and have no-one to take our kids, but I figure worrying is counterproductive and that is why I am doing everything I can to make him function higher. We are currently in the process of applying for a service dog-but my son is a little lower functioning-and has no sense of danger. Good luck Mama.

Quoting mama3trish:" Good luck on your new journey. I think your son has a bright future as well, considering his cognitive ... [snip!] ... the process of applying for a service dog-but my son is a little lower functioning-and has no sense of danger. Good luck Mama."

thank you for sharing