Re: Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

[Guest guest]

You've come to the right place, Regina! That initial diagnosis is tough, but once you start working on your plan and seeing what help is out there, you'll start to feel a little better. You might go through a mourning phase of some sort, I definitely did when my son was younger, but now that he's 14, I don't mourn for him anymore. I love him, I have hope for him, I'm so proud of what all he's accomplished...lots of things to feel good about. You learn to accept what is, try to change what you can, and love them throughout. I'll forward you an email I sent to a lady from my church who reached out to me when her grandson (whom she's raising) was first diagnosed. Hopefully it will help.

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 6:10:24 PMSubject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

Regina,

I feel your pain. I'm sure most everyone in this group has felt the same when they got the dx. On one hand it can be devastating, but then on the other hand it can be an "Ah ha" moment. If you already suspected your child had issues then this might be like somewhat of a relief because now you at least know what it is. But there is so much unknown that it makes it scary.

My recommendation to help you through the "mourning" period and to pull you out of feeling isolated is to research, read, ask questions etc. to gain as much knowledge as possible. Knowlege is power and you will find it helps to have as much about this disorder as possible when dealing with the schools.

Does your child have any sensory issues? If so, you might want to read "The Out of Sync Child" as well as "The Out of Sync Child Has Fun". Another good book to me was "1000 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism and Aspergers".

I would also recommend checking out the information on www.socialthinking.com. The sooner you get your child help in socialization the better off they will probably be.

I wish I could give you a big hug because I remember being where you are. My son wasn't diagnosed AS until he was 10 though, before that he had been dx ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder. He is almost 14 now and I truely believe if we had gotten the correct dx sooner he would be much better off now.

Well, here is a big virtual <<hug>> to you and let us know how you are doing. I'm really glad to hear your husband is by your side on this. It does make a huge difference. Take care!! ne

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

I personally have a beautiful nine year old son who is quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. The diagnosis nearly killed me, however now I'm on lexapro, klonopin and run about 20 miles a week and I'm feeling fine. Just my two cents. Sent from my iPadOn Feb 18, 2011, at 5:54 AM, susanne hansen <s_hansen34@...> wrote:

Regina,

I feel your pain. I'm sure most everyone in this group has felt the same when they got the dx. On one hand it can be devastating, but then on the other hand it can be an "Ah ha" moment. If you already suspected your child had issues then this might be like somewhat of a relief because now you at least know what it is. But there is so much unknown that it makes it scary.

My recommendation to help you through the "mourning" period and to pull you out of feeling isolated is to research, read, ask questions etc. to gain as much knowledge as possible. Knowlege is power and you will find it helps to have as much about this disorder as possible when dealing with the schools.

Does your child have any sensory issues? If so, you might want to read "The Out of Sync Child" as well as "The Out of Sync Child Has Fun". Another good book to me was "1000 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism and Aspergers".

I would also recommend checking out the information on www.socialthinking.com. The sooner you get your child help in socialization the better off they will probably be.

I wish I could give you a big hug because I remember being where you are. My son wasn't diagnosed AS until he was 10 though, before that he had been dx ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder. He is almost 14 now and I truely believe if we had gotten the correct dx sooner he would be much better off now.

Well, here is a big virtual <<hug>> to you and let us know how you are doing. I'm really glad to hear your husband is by your side on this. It does make a huge difference. Take care!! ne

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

I recently received an "Autism Spectrum" diagnosis for my daughter. I had already known for 6 mths that this would be the diagnosis, but I still felt very sad and stressed. Anyway, it takes time, and then you just have to jump in there and start helping your child. At the same time, I truly know how hard it is. Sometimes all I want to do is sit down and cry (especially on those difficult days). Just hang in there and do the best you can. Research and read and just hang in there, it will get better

Carolyn

From: susanne hansen <s_hansen34@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 4:54:17 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

Regina,

I feel your pain. I'm sure most everyone in this group has felt the same when they got the dx. On one hand it can be devastating, but then on the other hand it can be an "Ah ha" moment. If you already suspected your child had issues then this might be like somewhat of a relief because now you at least know what it is. But there is so much unknown that it makes it scary.

My recommendation to help you through the "mourning" period and to pull you out of feeling isolated is to research, read, ask questions etc. to gain as much knowledge as possible. Knowlege is power and you will find it helps to have as much about this disorder as possible when dealing with the schools.

Does your child have any sensory issues? If so, you might want to read "The Out of Sync Child" as well as "The Out of Sync Child Has Fun". Another good book to me was "1000 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism and Aspergers".

I would also recommend checking out the information on www.socialthinking.com. The sooner you get your child help in socialization the better off they will probably be.

I wish I could give you a big hug because I remember being where you are. My son wasn't diagnosed AS until he was 10 though, before that he had been dx ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder. He is almost 14 now and I truely believe if we had gotten the correct dx sooner he would be much better off now.

Well, here is a big virtual <<hug>> to you and let us know how you are doing. I'm really glad to hear your husband is by your side on this. It does make a huge difference. Take care!! ne

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

ne,What a wonderful advise you gave to Regina, it is true that takes a long time to sink in, but I don't believe that there is a "mourning period" I never stop feeling the mourning, I adapted maybe but I feel the loss every single day and I think I will always feel the loss of a dream, like in the poem "Welcome to Holland" I highly recommend to Regina that she and her husband read it, you can google it Regina it is called "Welcome to Holland" you just adapt to the new situation, it is very painful, but I never stop feeling the pain. Maybe is just me. Great books, very helpful, I read them. From: Carolyn Weisbard <ccweisbard@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 8:11:28 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

I recently received an "Autism Spectrum" diagnosis for my daughter. I had already known for 6 mths that this would be the diagnosis, but I still felt very sad and stressed. Anyway, it takes time, and then you just have to jump in there and start helping your child. At the same time, I truly know how hard it is. Sometimes all I want to do is sit down and cry (especially on those difficult days). Just hang in there and do the best you can. Research and read and just hang in there, it will get better

Carolyn

From: susanne hansen <s_hansen34@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 4:54:17 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

Regina,

I feel your pain. I'm sure most everyone in this group has felt the same when they got the dx. On one hand it can be devastating, but then on the other hand it can be an "Ah ha" moment. If you already suspected your child had issues then this might be like somewhat of a relief because now you at least know what it is. But there is so much unknown that it makes it scary.

My recommendation to help you through the "mourning" period and to pull you out of feeling isolated is to research, read, ask questions etc. to gain as much knowledge as possible. Knowlege is power and you will find it helps to have as much about this disorder as possible when dealing with the schools.

Does your child have any sensory issues? If so, you might want to read "The Out of Sync Child" as well as "The Out of Sync Child Has Fun". Another good book to me was "1000 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism and Aspergers".

I would also recommend checking out the information on www.socialthinking.com. The sooner you get your child help in socialization the better off they will probably be.

I wish I could give you a big hug because I remember being where you are. My son wasn't diagnosed AS until he was 10 though, before that he had been dx ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder. He is almost 14 now and I truely believe if we had gotten the correct dx sooner he would be much better off now.

Well, here is a big virtual <<hug>> to you and let us know how you are doing. I'm really glad to hear your husband is by your side on this. It does make a huge difference. Take care!! ne

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

You are very lucky that you have the support of your husband, that is what we need the most all the time...support. From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...> Sent: Thu, February 17, 2011 7:10:24 PMSubject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.

Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too?

I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things.

We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now.

I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.

Would love some support now.

thanks,

Regina

[Guest guest]

When I say mourning period, I don't mean a few weeks or anything. It's a process. For me, the mourning period started when he was about 5 and I didn't start having more positive than negative feeling until he was about 9. It would ebb and flow, but around 9, I started to see more improvements with him and it gave me hope. The more hope I had, the more I was able to see other improvements. Feels like we've been very slowly going up ever since. We still have struggles, but overall i'm happy. If I could get rid of the AS, I would in a minute, but my son has taught my whole family valuable lessons about true perseverence (hope I spelled that right!) and what a positive attitude can get you through. Sent via BlackBerry by AT&TFrom: chris Dunn <christineshello@...>Sender: Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 05:54:25 -0800 (PST)< >Reply Subject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support ne,What a wonderful advise you gave to Regina, it is true that takes a long time to sink in, but I don't believe that there is a "mourning period" I never stop feeling the mourning, I adapted maybe but I feel the loss every single day and I think I will always feel the loss of a dream, like in the poem "Welcome to Holland" I highly recommend to Regina that she and her husband read it, you can google it Regina it is called "Welcome to Holland" you just adapt to the new situation, it is very painful, but I never stop feeling the pain. Maybe is just me. Great books, very helpful, I read them. From: Carolyn Weisbard <ccweisbard@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 8:11:28 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support I recently received an "Autism Spectrum" diagnosis for my daughter. I had already known for 6 mths that this would be the diagnosis, but I still felt very sad and stressed. Anyway, it takes time, and then you just have to jump in there and start helping your child. At the same time, I truly know how hard it is. Sometimes all I want to do is sit down and cry (especially on those difficult days). Just hang in there and do the best you can. Research and read and just hang in there, it will get better :)CarolynFrom: susanne hansen <s_hansen34@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 4:54:17 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Regina,I feel your pain. I'm sure most everyone in this group has felt the same when they got the dx. On one hand it can be devastating, but then on the other hand it can be an "Ah ha" moment. If you already suspected your child had issues then this might be like somewhat of a relief because now you at least know what it is. But there is so much unknown that it makes it scary. My recommendation to help you through the "mourning" period and to pull you out of feeling isolated is to research, read, ask questions etc. to gain as much knowledge as possible. Knowlege is power and you will find it helps to have as much about this disorder as possible when dealing with the schools. Does your child have any sensory issues? If so, you might want to read "The Out of Sync Child" as well as "The Out of Sync Child Has Fun". Another good book to me was "1000 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism and Aspergers". I would also recommend checking out the information on www.socialthinking.com. The sooner you get your child help in socialization the better off they will probably be. I wish I could give you a big hug because I remember being where you are. My son wasn't diagnosed AS until he was 10 though, before that he had been dx ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder. He is almost 14 now and I truely believe if we had gotten the correct dx sooner he would be much better off now. Well, here is a big virtual <<hug>> to you and let us know how you are doing. I'm really glad to hear your husband is by your side on this. It does make a huge difference. Take care!! neFrom: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able toshare with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

I am happy for you, I have lots of hope as well, my hope will never die, but the pain does not go away either. It is true, may be I shouldn't be writing these things, may be I am too depressed, we are supposed to cheers each other up. I just said what I felt, sorry girls. Sometimes they are all just words, only definitions, I don't want to get stuck on that. Sorry again. From: "smacalli@..." <smacalli@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 9:10:09 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

When I say mourning period, I don't mean a few weeks or anything. It's a process. For me, the mourning period started when he was about 5 and I didn't start having more positive than negative feeling until he was about 9. It would ebb and flow, but around 9, I started to see more improvements with him and it gave me hope. The more hope I had, the more I was able to see other improvements. Feels like we've been very slowly going up ever since. We still have struggles, but overall i'm happy. If I could get rid of the AS, I would in a minute, but my son has taught my whole family valuable lessons about true perseverence (hope I spelled that right!) and what a positive attitude can get you through. Sent via BlackBerry by AT & TFrom: chris Dunn <christineshello@...>

Sender:

Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 05:54:25 -0800 (PST)< >Reply

Subject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

ne,What a wonderful advise you gave to Regina, it is true that takes a long time to sink in, but I don't believe that there is a "mourning period" I never stop feeling the mourning, I adapted maybe but I feel the loss every single day and I think I will always feel the loss of a dream, like in the poem "Welcome to Holland" I highly recommend to Regina that she and her husband read it, you can google it Regina it is called "Welcome to Holland" you just adapt to the new situation, it is very painful, but I never stop feeling the pain. Maybe is just me. Great books, very helpful, I read them. From: Carolyn Weisbard <ccweisbard@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 8:11:28 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

I recently received an "Autism Spectrum" diagnosis for my daughter. I had already known for 6 mths that this would be the diagnosis, but I still felt very sad and stressed. Anyway, it takes time, and then you just have to jump in there and start helping your child. At the same time, I truly know how hard it is. Sometimes all I want to do is sit down and cry (especially on those difficult days). Just hang in there and do the best you can. Research and read and just hang in there, it will get better

Carolyn

From: susanne hansen <s_hansen34@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 4:54:17 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

Regina,

I feel your pain. I'm sure most everyone in this group has felt the same when they got the dx. On one hand it can be devastating, but then on the other hand it can be an "Ah ha" moment. If you already suspected your child had issues then this might be like somewhat of a relief because now you at least know what it is. But there is so much unknown that it makes it scary.

My recommendation to help you through the "mourning" period and to pull you out of feeling isolated is to research, read, ask questions etc. to gain as much knowledge as possible. Knowlege is power and you will find it helps to have as much about this disorder as possible when dealing with the schools.

Does your child have any sensory issues? If so, you might want to read "The Out of Sync Child" as well as "The Out of Sync Child Has Fun". Another good book to me was "1000 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism and Aspergers".

I would also recommend checking out the information on www.socialthinking.com. The sooner you get your child help in socialization the better off they will probably be.

I wish I could give you a big hug because I remember being where you are. My son wasn't diagnosed AS until he was 10 though, before that he had been dx ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder. He is almost 14 now and I truely believe if we had gotten the correct dx sooner he would be much better off now.

Well, here is a big virtual <<hug>> to you and let us know how you are doing. I'm really glad to hear your husband is by your side on this. It does make a huge difference. Take care!! ne

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

Hey, no apology necessary. I tell you how it is for us now to possibly give you hope. I think your son is 8, right? That was one of the toughest years we had. It was really, really bad. But eventually things started to turn around and now my son has come farther than I ever thought possible, especially considering the years from 5-8. There are still some days where it gets bad, but I'm able to push past it much quicker than I use to. In terms of the positive attitude (or my goal to try and have a positive attitude), the way I see it, the more positive I can be, the more I'll see the positive. It's kind of like is the glass half-full or half-empty. Two people can stare at the same glass, with the same amount of liquid in it, and one might lament at how the water is half-way gone while the other sees there's a half glass

full of water. I'm a glass half-full kind of person. It's the same glass, same amount, but two different perspectives.

From: chris Dunn <christineshello@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 8:51:39 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

I am happy for you, I have lots of hope as well, my hope will never die, but the pain does not go away either. It is true, may be I shouldn't be writing these things, may be I am too depressed, we are supposed to cheers each other up. I just said what I felt, sorry girls. Sometimes they are all just words, only definitions, I don't want to get stuck on that. Sorry again.

From: "smacalli@..." <smacalli@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 9:10:09 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

When I say mourning period, I don't mean a few weeks or anything. It's a process. For me, the mourning period started when he was about 5 and I didn't start having more positive than negative feeling until he was about 9. It would ebb and flow, but around 9, I started to see more improvements with him and it gave me hope. The more hope I had, the more I was able to see other improvements. Feels like we've been very slowly going up ever since. We still have struggles, but overall i'm happy. If I could get rid of the AS, I would in a minute, but my son has taught my whole family valuable lessons about true perseverence (hope I spelled that right!) and what a positive attitude can get you through.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

From: chris Dunn <christineshello@...>

Sender:

Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 05:54:25 -0800 (PST)

< >

Reply

Subject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

ne,

What a wonderful advise you gave to Regina, it is true that takes a long time to sink in, but I don't believe that there is a "mourning period" I never stop feeling the mourning, I adapted maybe but I feel the loss every single day and I think I will always feel the loss of a dream, like in the poem "Welcome to Holland" I highly recommend to Regina that she and her husband read it, you can google it Regina it is called "Welcome to Holland" you just adapt to the new situation, it is very painful, but I never stop feeling the pain. Maybe is just me. Great books, very helpful, I read them.

From: Carolyn Weisbard <ccweisbard@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 8:11:28 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

I recently received an "Autism Spectrum" diagnosis for my daughter. I had already known for 6 mths that this would be the diagnosis, but I still felt very sad and stressed. Anyway, it takes time, and then you just have to jump in there and start helping your child. At the same time, I truly know how hard it is. Sometimes all I want to do is sit down and cry (especially on those difficult days). Just hang in there and do the best you can. Research and read and just hang in there, it will get better

Carolyn

From: susanne hansen <s_hansen34@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 4:54:17 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

Regina,

I feel your pain. I'm sure most everyone in this group has felt the same when they got the dx. On one hand it can be devastating, but then on the other hand it can be an "Ah ha" moment. If you already suspected your child had issues then this might be like somewhat of a relief because now you at least know what it is. But there is so much unknown that it makes it scary.

My recommendation to help you through the "mourning" period and to pull you out of feeling isolated is to research, read, ask questions etc. to gain as much knowledge as possible. Knowlege is power and you will find it helps to have as much about this disorder as possible when dealing with the schools.

Does your child have any sensory issues? If so, you might want to read "The Out of Sync Child" as well as "The Out of Sync Child Has Fun". Another good book to me was "1000 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism and Aspergers".

I would also recommend checking out the information on www.socialthinking.com. The sooner you get your child help in socialization the better off they will probably be.

I wish I could give you a big hug because I remember being where you are. My son wasn't diagnosed AS until he was 10 though, before that he had been dx ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder. He is almost 14 now and I truely believe if we had gotten the correct dx sooner he would be much better off now.

Well, here is a big virtual <<hug>> to you and let us know how you are doing. I'm really glad to hear your husband is by your side on this. It does make a huge difference. Take care!! ne

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

I understand. We were shocked at first when we were given an Aspergers

Diagnosis. (The term Aspergers is now relabeled 'autism spectrum disorder' by

the field of psychology). Our son was six. I read everything I could on the

topic and it helped us understand how to help him better and what services to

pursue. Now, a year later, he has improved so much. One thing I read may be

helpful...an expert said that unlike with some other disorders, with Aspergers

functioning only improves with time and does not decline (although there will

certainly be bumps in the road, the overall arc is increased functioning).

If you do decide to join a social skills group, you will meet other parents you

can connect with. That helped me.

Good luck.

[Guest guest]

,I totally agree with you, thanks for your kind words. May be there will be more improvement in the future, there is always room for it, right? It is depressing sometimes. From: MacAllister <smacalli@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 10:25:52 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

Hey, no apology necessary. I tell you how it is for us now to possibly give you hope. I think your son is 8, right? That was one of the toughest years we had. It was really, really bad. But eventually things started to turn around and now my son has come farther than I ever thought possible, especially considering the years from 5-8. There are still some days where it gets bad, but I'm able to push past it much quicker than I use to. In terms of the positive attitude (or my goal to try and have a positive attitude), the way I see it, the more positive I can be, the more I'll see the positive. It's kind of like is the glass half-full or half-empty. Two people can stare at the same glass, with the same amount of liquid in it, and one might lament at how the water is half-way gone while the other sees there's a half glass

full of water. I'm a glass half-full kind of person. It's the same glass, same amount, but two different perspectives.

From: chris Dunn <christineshello@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 8:51:39 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

I am happy for you, I have lots of hope as well, my hope will never die, but the pain does not go away either. It is true, may be I shouldn't be writing these things, may be I am too depressed, we are supposed to cheers each other up. I just said what I felt, sorry girls. Sometimes they are all just words, only definitions, I don't want to get stuck on that. Sorry again.

From: "smacalli@..." <smacalli@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 9:10:09 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

When I say mourning period, I don't mean a few weeks or anything. It's a process. For me, the mourning period started when he was about 5 and I didn't start having more positive than negative feeling until he was about 9. It would ebb and flow, but around 9, I started to see more improvements with him and it gave me hope. The more hope I had, the more I was able to see other improvements. Feels like we've been very slowly going up ever since. We still have struggles, but overall i'm happy. If I could get rid of the AS, I would in a minute, but my son has taught my whole family valuable lessons about true perseverence (hope I spelled that right!) and what a positive attitude can get you through.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

From: chris Dunn <christineshello@...>

Sender:

Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 05:54:25 -0800 (PST)

< >

Reply

Subject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

ne,

What a wonderful advise you gave to Regina, it is true that takes a long time to sink in, but I don't believe that there is a "mourning period" I never stop feeling the mourning, I adapted maybe but I feel the loss every single day and I think I will always feel the loss of a dream, like in the poem "Welcome to Holland" I highly recommend to Regina that she and her husband read it, you can google it Regina it is called "Welcome to Holland" you just adapt to the new situation, it is very painful, but I never stop feeling the pain. Maybe is just me. Great books, very helpful, I read them.

From: Carolyn Weisbard <ccweisbard@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 8:11:28 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

I recently received an "Autism Spectrum" diagnosis for my daughter. I had already known for 6 mths that this would be the diagnosis, but I still felt very sad and stressed. Anyway, it takes time, and then you just have to jump in there and start helping your child. At the same time, I truly know how hard it is. Sometimes all I want to do is sit down and cry (especially on those difficult days). Just hang in there and do the best you can. Research and read and just hang in there, it will get better

Carolyn

From: susanne hansen <s_hansen34@...> Sent: Fri, February 18, 2011 4:54:17 AMSubject: Re: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support

Regina,

I feel your pain. I'm sure most everyone in this group has felt the same when they got the dx. On one hand it can be devastating, but then on the other hand it can be an "Ah ha" moment. If you already suspected your child had issues then this might be like somewhat of a relief because now you at least know what it is. But there is so much unknown that it makes it scary.

My recommendation to help you through the "mourning" period and to pull you out of feeling isolated is to research, read, ask questions etc. to gain as much knowledge as possible. Knowlege is power and you will find it helps to have as much about this disorder as possible when dealing with the schools.

Does your child have any sensory issues? If so, you might want to read "The Out of Sync Child" as well as "The Out of Sync Child Has Fun". Another good book to me was "1000 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism and Aspergers".

I would also recommend checking out the information on www.socialthinking.com. The sooner you get your child help in socialization the better off they will probably be.

I wish I could give you a big hug because I remember being where you are. My son wasn't diagnosed AS until he was 10 though, before that he had been dx ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder. He is almost 14 now and I truely believe if we had gotten the correct dx sooner he would be much better off now.

Well, here is a big virtual <<hug>> to you and let us know how you are doing. I'm really glad to hear your husband is by your side on this. It does make a huge difference. Take care!! ne

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]



Hi Ms. Dunn:

Yes is is depressing every time that I went to get diagnosed/ tested and the people who know something, what ever that may be, do not give you any way to fix the problem. Then charge you big bucks for the "No Ssolution."

Sincerely,

T.

( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

Thanks , and I get what your saying. I do still feel the loss at times. Usually when I hear of someone else that got the dx but mostly when my son talks about how one day he wants to join the army (because his Dad is in the army) or that he wants to do certain things that I know he will never be able to do. That is when I feel the loss very profoundly. But I try very hard to pull myself out of that dark place. I can't live there. I have to keep positive for my own sanity and for my son's sake. But yes, I definitely know what you mean. ne

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

Oh ne,

My son, too, has such plans to join the military because we were both in, too.

We've explained that right now, he needs his OCD meds and that if he stays on them, he won't be able to join.

It's sad, cause I think the repetition and rules would allow him to strive.

Robin

"I'm singing....

I'm in a store and I'm singing..........

I'm in a store....

and I'm singing..............."

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

Robin,

I think now even if you're not on any meds but have any diagnosis such as ADHD etc you cannot get into the military anymore. At least that's what I've read in the Armytimes.

ne

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

Aw.......that would suck.

I think he's hoping that he can "overcome" the OCD. Sigh.

Ya know, I wonder how long ago a dx has to have been. Know what I mean?

Like, if there was EVER a dx.......would they be "out" or what?

Hmmm.....I"m gonna have to check it out.

Robin

"I'm singing....

I'm in a store and I'm singing..........

I'm in a store....

and I'm singing..............."

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

Robin,

I think this stemmed from soldiers coming back from deployment with serious issues and then finding out they were ADHD or had a previous diagnosis in the past. Can you really imagine any of our children being deployed and being able to "handle" it?

My older son just got back last July if you remember and he is having a hard time because he got hit with an IED and got TBI. Now can you imagine if he were AS? I couldn't. Maybe if our soldiers stop having to deploy, if we ever get out of Afghanistan they might change it back???? Don't know. But so far we're suppose to be in Afghan until at least 2014.

ne

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

Yeah,,,,,adding dx's does make it way more complicated.

AS definitely adds crap to the mix......doing a job may be one thing but being a combat situation, yes, makes things much more complicated. Sigh........

Sorry again about your son. How is he doing?

Robin

"I'm singing....

I'm in a store and I'm singing..........

I'm in a store....

and I'm singing..............."

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

He's managing so-so. Needs a lot of support right now and I hate living so far away. His wife is a piece of crap too. Thanks for asking, Robin.ne

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

We're here for you, Regina! I remember feeling like that. I had people who

gave me a hard time about his behavior. Some people I told didn't believe

was anything but BAD because of my BAD parenting and then there were some REALLY

hateful people who actually used the diagnosis to blame my son for things, " Your

kid is the one with the PROBLEMS! " Their kid BIT mine, made a mark that broke

the skin. was 4 and this kid was 5. He said he was afraid of and

that's why he bit him. couldn't tell me what happened and everyone just

saw him punch the kid in the stomach. Later in the bath I saw the bite mark and

asked what it was. He said, " Liam did that before I punched him. " Almost

like the punch was not even related to the bite. We have so many lovely stories

about these people. just WORSHIPPED this kid. He couldn't get that Liam

wasn't a nice kid. When he did find it out his adoration turned to extreme

anger. Then a few years later said, " I feel sorry for Liam. It's not his

fault he's awful, it's his parents. " There was one mom who purposely did things

to upset just so she could show how horrible a mom I was. She popped a

balloon right in front of him knowing how intensely obsessed he was with

balloons. At a birthday party (not even HER kid's party) she gave every kid a

cup with their name on it except . Then when started wailing she

covered her son's ears and said was upsetting him. The kid looked up at

her like, " WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?! " I didn't realize she was doing things

intentionally. Other parents told me.

It's very hard to figure out which people will be supportive and which won't.

So I can't say I blame you for keeping it quiet until you know which people to

trust.

Is there an Easter Seals near you? The one near me runs lots of social things

and support things for autism. I LOVE these people. Maybe it won't be as good

where you are, but my experiences where I am have been wonderful. If you want

to email me privately we can talk more about what might be available in your

area.

Hugs,

Miriam

>

> Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked

if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was

giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have

spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.

>

> Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with

me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too?

>

> I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple

yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class

this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but

she is so the opposite end of things.

>

> We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could

trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for

now.

>

> I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to share with

other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to

not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.

>

> Would love some support now.

> thanks,

> Regina

>

[Guest guest]

So where is he? I'm sorry I didn't remember. I'm a dorkiss. he he.

Darnit...about the wife. So, has she always been bad or just since he's come home?

That's sooo sad.

Do they have kids?

Robin

"I'm singing....

I'm in a store and I'm singing..........

I'm in a store....

and I'm singing..............."

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina

[Guest guest]

He is in KS right now. We're trying to get him closer. Yeah, his wife has always been this way but I tried to accept her and help her but she won't listen. I told her they come back different and that she would have to be patient and understanding. Then my son found out she cheated on him while he was deployed. That's when I told him to send her back home to her mom.

They have two kids but only one is my son's. My poor little grand-daughter who is 2 is caught in the middle.

How are things going with your son?

ne

From: fredandregina2004 <fredandregina2004@...>Subject: ( ) Got dx, it feels isolating, could use support Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 7:10 PM

Yesterday 5yr old was diagnosed on the spectrum - high functioning. I asked if it was AS, neuro said it could be but that wasn't the diagnose she was giving. She said to help get more services thru school it was better to have spectrum dx. My husband I and I feel it is AS.Luckily I have a great husband to talk to, who also shares his sadness with me, b/c I feel so isolated from friends right now. Did others go thru this too? I have one friend who has a son on the spectrum (she told this to me couple yrs ago) but she is in denial anything is wrong and put him in a regular class this year with no services. You would think she'd be a great resource to me but she is so the opposite end of things. We just moved to our town last year and I had a new friend I thought I could trust but now I really don't know and I really want to keep this private for now. I know in time I'll find support groups locally and will be able to

share with other moms how I felt during this time of inital dx, but right now it's hard to not have anyone to talk to about what all of this means.Would love some support now.thanks,Regina