Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Hi I am new to the forum and new to ASD!!!! My son was diagnosed with HFA/ASD this month. It has been a huge shock and a very tough few months, His dad has had nothing to do with him since it was suggested he was on the spectrum, and did not even manage to call over the holidays.I am feeling confused and scared. I am also sick of people telling me that there is nothing wrong with him"all children do that" I never wanted this to be true but it is..people think they are being kind but I find it very upsetting. I still know only a small amount about ASD and wonder what happens next? he has been diagnosed and we have a multi agency meeting in Jan re education. Its all so intrusive. sorry for moan! my son is four

Hi and welcome to the forum

I am sure by now you have read the forum and have realised you are not alone with people's reactions to ASD, good luck with your assessment and do let us know how you get on

Hi there, I know people only want to help and I know it's frustrating. I have a 9 year old son who is going through assessment at the moment, I think he has Asperger's. I was talking to my parents about it and said that with a diagnosis I would be able to explain to other people about it and maybe they would be a bit more accepting of him if they knew how his mind worked. My dad replied "then we will know what he is going through!" I said that he is not going through anything - it is normal for him! It's me who needs the answers as he has not noticed anything different - yet. I'm sure he soon will, though.

Not very kind of his dad to snub him like that, is it? Should love unconditionally, though men do have problems dealing with this kind of thing - sorry to all you men out there!

Good luck with it all

Lynne

people deal with ASD dx in different ways, what you have written Lynn I have heard so many times before so don't think you are alone, I hope that his dad will get his head around the ASD soon

hopefully his dad just needs to get his head round it. though it isn't like your son has changed or anything, or that people can catch it (i've had similar reactions myself). i also know how unhelpful it is to say 'all kids do that' as it makes you seem your just overworrying and being silly...when your not. they dont live with your son..you do. and seeing as he has been diagnosed you were obviously right and they were wrong

welcome to the forum

Sorry, just to clarify, we don't have a diagnosis as yet. Still waiting 2nd appointment with psychologist. Can't be too impatient, we have only waited 5 weeks, after all!

Secondly, this comment was made by MY dad. (Older generation, and all that!) Original post by hosepipe was concerned over child's father' reaction. My son's dad has not been around since he was four, thank god! I think he made my son's symptoms worse, but when he was younger they were different, and I thought a lot of his behaviour was down to unease in our household. Turns out I was right as his behaviour now is very good (thank god) but he has other symptoms which are getting worse as he is getting older, eg obsessions, flapping or thumping his hand and being overly interested in cars (technical detail and Top Gear). We have all the DVD's, you know!!

I digress - I don't think my son's dad would understand, either. Would blame me, cos there is nothing wrong with him (choke back a cough).