Autism???

[LilyLamb]

We just received a call about a nine year old autistic boy that needs a home.  Does anyone here know about autism??  I know there are various degrees of autism - this child communicates by using pictures.  We have to slowly introduce ourselves into his life over a period of time and then have a weekend visit and then move him in.

Although he's older than what we had put down for the age that we wanted our foster children to be - I don't want to automatically say "no" because what we want isn't necessarily what God wants for us - I want to be open to His will.  The last child we had was about two years older than what we wanted and it worked out real well.  We wanted children who were close in age to our son who is in kindergarten (he's five). 

Anyway - I am going tomorrow to the residential school where this boy is staying and will talk to/visit with the staff.  I need to know more about him before I can be sure that we can properly care for him.

Pray that God reveals to me His will regarding whether or not this child belongs in our home.

Thanks!

PS - the person who called me is also a Pastor and I know he prays about these children and where to place them among the families in the agency - I don't know yet if God put our name into his mind or if he was just going down a list.

 

[VOW]

God may have fixed it so your name came to the top of the list, who knows?

I've read so many different things about autism, and I think there are different TYPES of it, too. It seems so sad that these kids are essentially locked away in some little room in their minds, and it's almost impossible to get them out. If this child can communicate through pictures, that's wonderful. (Sometimes a picture board used for communication is called a "Bliss Board," don't know where the name came from)

I do know that these kids cannot handle overstimulation. It may be necessary to remove pictures and toys from his room, and make sure the TV or stereo is not turned up very loud around him.

Above all, though, this is a child who needs a lot of love. God bless you for opening your heart to him!


Peace,
~VOW

 

[Amy]

LilyLamb,

From what I know, autism often follows a deep emotional trauma. The child just "shuts down" - chooses not to interact with the others around him. I see the fact that your boy is using pictures to communicate as a good sign - that means he still WANTS to communicate. Try to find out more about him, when and how he became this way; it will certainly help you to understand how to deal with him better.

Amy

 

[LilyLamb]

VOW - overstimulation is the one thing that concerns me ... our family is basically very laid back, but for all we know it could be too much for this child ... I will be sure to ask a LOT of questions of the staff ... I don't want to bring this child into our home if it will make things worse for him. The fact that we have to move so slowly in even getting him here for a weekend visit says volumes.

I am researching info on autism now ...

Thank you for your encouraging words ladies. 

 

[mel3]

I would suggest you get all the information you can on autism. Many years ago I knew a child who was autistic. As loving as he was there definately was a 'terror' side to him. He was very strong at five and could very easily overpower his mother. This is something you are gonna need to really pray over. Autistic children, as a rule, are much harder to control. I don't know how many children you now foster but be aware your house can get very disruptive very fast. Do your homework on researching and most definately talk to God, talk to spouse before making any committments on this one. They need ALOT of one on one time and you may or may not have the time to devote to this child. Let us know your decision.
On the flip side of the coin, let me add this was twenty years ago when I worked with this autistic child I am referring to. I am sure much has occured in the way of knowledge and medical treatment since then.

 

[LilyLamb]

after much thought and prayer we have decided that this would probably be too much for us - taking in a child that has cancer and getting him to his chemo treatments (our last foster child) is more along the lines of what we can deal with (the medical or physical handicaps rather than the mental/psychological) ...

thank you for your prayers and support ...

 

[VOW]

To Lily:

I'm sure it was a painful decision for you to decline this child. However, you do have obligations to your own family, and to yourself as well as the child. This particular disability needs little disruption in day-to-day life, and you may have done the child more harm by accepting him and then having to give him up.

There will be more children soon to benefit from your love, I'm sure!



Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[ZiSunka]

praying!

 

[mel3]

Lily, I know it was something you didn't decide on right away. I admire you for your love of children. It takes someone VERY special to be a full time foster parent. I am thankful to God there are people out there who open their home and their hearts to a child who is in need. May God continue to bless you and your family.