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"When autism is your mountain, you'll never climb alone"

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Just Diagnosed with ASD, Autism, & or PDDNOS

I remember getting the crushing diagnosis of autism from our neurologist I remember how crushing it was & how overwhelming it was. After, a brief moment I picked up the pieces & mushed forward. The only think I could do for my kid. The doctor provided NO next steps. Here are some first steps I had to figure out for myself that I thought are best known methods that I had wished someone had told me. All the veterans here I would love for you to add comments with value for our next newcomer of dx. 1.) Don't waste time or be fearful of investigating your instincts or symptoms of your child. Does your child meet several or any of the dx criteria commonly defined as autism. If so, move forward for evaluation with pediatricians, neurologists, and/or psych evaluators 2.) Find an advocate agency support group in or near your community. ~ Find a mentor or veteran parent/caregiver to help guide you & keep you in check. 3.) Define your support network, do whatever you need to positively keep you healthy emotionally and physically (exercise, seek your own therapist, etc.) 4.) Vigilantly pursue getting services that best service your child's challenges & needs. 5.) Keep your marriage partnerships healthy if applicable (compartmentalize, seek family counseling, set time aside from autism). It is nice to have a solid partner moving forward. These are just my opinions :)

Comments (8)

Tags: first, diagnosisi, newbee, dx, OMG, Help, advice
Posted By : KevinLivsDad on 04th Feb 2010

8 Response to “Just Diagnosed with ASD, Autis...”

shannonj wrote this reply on Feb 05, 2010 11:07 am

Hey Kevin-
Thanks--those are awesome suggestions....And so important to share because I remember feeling just devastated and hardly able to complete a thought. Having other people beside me who knew the journey was critical. I met some other mom on a list serve and she gave me her phone number and told me to call her anytime...I don't even remember what state she lived in, but being able to call this women who felt my pain and yet could point towards the light saved me. Also, being reminded that my son was still just a little boy who needed to be loved, needed to feel acceptance--I needed to hear that.

momof2boyz wrote this reply on Feb 09, 2010 9:06 pm

I remember this devastating feeling. I now recognize I had a nervous breakdown from which I have yet to fully recover. I didn't get the support you did. You were fortunate! Me? Not so much. It was an uphill battle not only w/the doctors & schools but w/my family (grandparents) as well.

momof2boyz wrote this reply on Feb 09, 2010 9:08 pm

In addition, the one thing that truly sustained me was the cuteness of my son, the warmth I felt holding him in my arms & the love he returned to me by showering me w/tights hugs & millions of kisses, whether we were in public or at home. Those moments are unforgettable! And like Mary said when she was raising Jesus, "She kept all these things to her heart." That's me. I've kept all these wonderful little moments to myself, in my heart, forever. No one will ever understand the depth of my love & experience w/my child.

KevinLivsDad wrote this reply on Feb 05, 2010 4:34 pm

Yup, I was fortunate to have some good vetrans help me. I am thankful as it got us on track & serving Liv quickly. Not to mention the emotional support & empathy. I remember one vetran telling me you will grieve.. But, first focus on getting the ball rolling. You will have time to grieve later. That is not what I wanted to hear, but what I needed to hear.

2snowflakes wrote this reply on Feb 05, 2010 2:47 pm

Thank you for posting this. It is very helpful to hear as a person who is not far along this road. It makes a lot of sense!

Motherof4 wrote this reply on Feb 08, 2010 8:15 pm

These are all great suggestions! Good job.

momof2boyz wrote this reply on Feb 09, 2010 9:04 pm

Excellently said! Right on! Good for you! I totally agree w/your recommendation of finding the right pediatricians, neurologists and psych evaluators. If you're not happy or comfortable w/the first ones, go ahead & push on to find another one. More than one opinion is definitely worth the time spent!!! Trust me. They're NOT all the same, sadly.

I never have been able to find a support network. Did all the support groups locally in my area. But just never fit in w/the people I found. The most I've found has been here at this website. And while it's good, it'd be nicer to have something local & in person.

Autism has consumed my life & my marriage. While still married, it has put a damper & more than a few scars. While we remain committed to each other & what life has dealt us, it's been very stressful! Setting aside time for just you as a couple is the best advice you could give anybody!

Exercise! It's THE DRUG of choice. If you're not doing this you won't survive! A personal therapist always is a good tonic to add to the mix!

Your opinions are more than just "your opinions." You speak age-old advice for someone so new to this experience!

KevinLivsDad wrote this reply on Feb 11, 2010 12:11 am

Exercise is my drug... I like to tell people I run from my stress (literally) & not run into stress. I have gained 20lbs in the past two years all muscle forged from coping with stress :) Endorphins & caffeine are what keep me going. Glad I have them both!

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