Off Topic: playing outside

[Guest guest]

>

How old are ASD kids when they can play outside with other

> neighborhood children, without supervision?

>

>

> I am wondering if I will ever be able to let him go. And I can't hold

> back his sister because of him. This is getting very difficult and they

> haven't even hit first grade yet. I am sure to get an ulcer and my hair

> is turning gray rapidly. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY who has NT kids

> understand my dilemma. My son appears so normal - just a little odd. I

> appear completely irrational and overprotective. I don't even care how I

> appear. It's just that I don't want to hold him back and deprive him,

> but I don't know how to judge how much independence to give him. Is

> there a way to test him? Like in small doses or something? What do you

> do?

>

> {{{sigh}}} I know this is a diet list - sorry to complain. Just looking

> for some advice from the only people who understand the predicament..

>

> CLUELESS Charlene in Virginia

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Hi,

First let me give you a great website for this question and many more;

SID , like this group it is great. Sensory Integration

touches many different diagnosis.

My son is 61/2 and I know I can not trust him outside by himself for too

long. Going down the street to play with a neighbor without a parent

watching them is totally unacceptable. My son is very very highly

functioning and impulsive, not harmful, but is developmentally delayed and

therefore could be told to do something by another child, and he just might.

Personally I understand what you are saying about how others view you. I

have gotten over that for the most part. I forced myself to stop worrying

about people who do not understand. If I gave into that and my child was

hurt, then how could I live with myself. So I have decided to protect my

child as I see fit and live with those people who may not understand. My son

is ONE of my gifts from GOD, and I will not let un educated people(most

people can not understand until Autism touches their lives)sway my decision.

My son has come such a long way. Two years ago we bought a bicycle built for

two for he and I, so he could leave our driveway, now he is able to go on

our short cul-de-sac street while I stand in the yard. That is HUGE! In the

moment he didn't care about cars, sure he would tell me all the safety

rules, but didn't ever use them. I notice him looking both ways the other

day! WOW!!!!! So I have hope. Meanwhile, I get sitters when I can't watch

him outside, and I still never take showers while he is awake. Nothing has

happened, but I will not chance that fact!

This is my personal opinion on this matter. Each child is different and I

believe that I will know when he is ready, IF he ever is. My wanting him to

be will not make him ready! I believe that your GUT will tell you too! But

let your gut feeling be from with inside YOU ,not the neighbors.

God Bless,

Laurie Renke