introducing myself

[Guest guest]

I am new to this group so I want to introduce myself.

My name is Rivkah Eidex and my son, Effie, age 5, has autism. He was diagnosed at age 2 and has had intensive treatments ever since, however, seems to only get worse as he gets older and, of course, it's very difficult on all of us. He's 5 but its more like he's 18 months or so. He cannot dress himself or use the bathroom properly and he tantrums constantly b/c he cannot communicate his needs. He bangs his head on the floor, destroys things, eats inedible things, makes huge messes, and sometimes runs away.

I need some advice from other parents out there.

Effie is my 3rd child of 4. My other kids are 8,7 and 3, and I am due in February with the 5th. Needless to say I am completely overwhelmed, especially b/c I work part time also.

First I wanted to know if any of you have dealt with behaviors such as those I described above and if so, HOW? Am I going to still be dressing him when he's 12?!

His latest thing is climbing (or sliding) out of his carseat. I had him in the booster but had to revert to the baby car seat with the built-in harness b/c he gets out of the booster too easily. The thing is, he's over the weight limit for the car seat with built-in harness. Has anyone ever dealt with this? I looked into some specialty car seats and they were all $500-$800. Is it dangerous to use the car seat when the child is over the weight limit, and if so, why?

My other dilemma is that I really feel that I need help to care for him, especially now and after the baby comes only we cannot afford another single expense. Is there a place that could help us with respite and/or an in-home aide? He has the deeming waiver and is on the wait list for the NOW (MRWP) waiver but he's been on it for two years and nothing so far. Every time I try to get assistance, I am told that he has to have SSI or be medically fragile in order to qualify and that we make too much $$ (funny, it doesnt feel like it!). I have used GCSS in the past but currently I dont have a provider to sign up and they only reimburse $7/hour anyway, which, in my experience, is less than half of what most sitters charge (for 4 kids and one with special needs!).

I have tons more questions but I'll hold off for now (!). Thanks so much in advance for any help/support/advice any of you can give.

Rivkah

Atlanta, GA