alone in autism

[Fangtastic]

no matter how many sites i visit,support groups and other parents like myself that i meet i still feel alienated and alone in this disorder that isn't fully understood. therapists especially just amaze me with how little they know. my son seems like their biggest challenge ever and it really baffles and depresses me.other parents that i've personally met in a group setting seem like me..alienated from eachother because its just too tough to sort out what life is like. im very depressed with this medical condition that seems like its different for every child diagnosed

 

[aspie4JC]

My heart is just flowing out to you right now. How old is your buddy? Is he in school, birth to 3, an after-school program? Is there a "Mrs. Fangtastic" so that there are two of you to share the load? Yes, each child is different but we as parents can and should look across our own "load" to others and bond with them with as much humor, lightness of heart and empathy of spirit as we can muster. Thus are all of our roads easier to bear! I am here for you, as is my good friend Figaro whom I am sure will post on this as soon as she sees it! Post again and let me know how you are doing! My husband and I have two autistic children, and we've been "in the business" for 8 years now. Feel free to PM.

 

[Benedicta00]

You are not alone, if there is anything we can help you with, please ask.

You’re right, every child is unique and what your cross to bare is, is not mine but the Lord is with us both.

Don't give up hope, God has a plan for us all.

 

[Figaro]

Hey Fang -- I hear ya bud! I think part of why we all feel so alone is that it's so hard to just go out and do normal things. Just going to the grocery store takes prayer, preparation and a full stomach! Its hard because as parents of autistic children we can't always get together and throw all our kids in one room while we play partcheeze -- I am not sure how old your child is... and let me tell you as a mom of an autistic 13 year old - some years are learning years. Very painful learning years and some years you just coast. 2 things have gotten me this far. First and foremost. God. Second... a gigantic sense of humor. Hey we have got to be able to laugh -- I do "Eric impressions" all the time! Use his "lingo"... it helps me cope. And it helps my closest friends understand him.

I have been in many autism support groups... some of them are great ... some of them not so much. Alot had to do with where everyone's kids were at... for example when my son is the oldest in the group -- I can help with foreside. And when he's been the youngest... I got more help.



God has a plan for where we live and people we meet. When you feel depressed continue to reach out for help. Even if it's online here. Like Aspie said ... we all love the Lord. And you just don't get that every where you are.



God Bless

Figaro

 

[anthropologistfrommarsmom]

I feel the same way. My son is about to turn 4 and I am expecting a baby soon. Besides that I have typical five year old daughter with attitude!. I am very tired and have concerns that the new baby will have autism. I don't think I can handle it but nobody really will discuss it with me. My son is doing well in a school program right now but he is very demanding physically and mostly nonverbal, and screams quite a bit.I am tired all the time. I have some friends with autistic children but mostly they act like they have everything together, and I feel like I'm falling apart some days....I even get upset with my extended family because I feel like they don't support us enough...or care enough.

 

[MentalSoliloquy]

I cannot even try to understand what parents go through...

In your post you mentioned therapists...and not to toot my own horn but as a therapist (aba specifically) there are very few therapists in the field of autism and related disorders that truly care for the outcome of children, that truly love their job, that are in it for whats best for the child. Working with autistic children should not be a challenge...and therapists who struggle should not be therapists.

If you do have any questions that you think I may be able to help/guide you with, I am more than welcome to help...

Your families will be in my prayers constantly...