For almost five years I have been extremely positive of my son's diagnoses of Autism, and I feel that's all you can be in order to move forward and get your child or children the services they need. Recently my son has been showing more behaviors such as spilling juice intentionally, throwing toys and elopment.
He has no understanding of what it means to let go of my hand and run anywhere, and though the teachers we have, have tried to help us with the elopment issue and it has gotten slightly better - all his other behaviors have become elevated.
I am told there is a cycle of behaviors and that these behaviors may not last, "however" there may be a new set of behaviors that will come along. So is this what I have to look forward to the rest of my son's life?
The challenges my son will endure, the unknown to our family? When I think back to the time my son was diagnosed with autism to me it was a learning disability that can be helped, but if I think about it today and it is much more and the effects are endless.
My son still says only four words, but can count up to a hundred through an iPad, academically he is a bright child, but still has yet to be fully potty trained. So is there anything else he may have along with autism that effects his speech even more? We have not seen anything else at this time but have heard of prompt speech a technique used for many children who cannot speak.
We have also heard of holistic methods used for kids with Autism, such as Dan Dr's Diets, and much more. But holistic methods are not covered by insurance and can range from $500 to thousands.
So where do you turn when you have behaviors that your autistic child presents? There are many places to turn but when you are a parent of a special needs child you need a lot of assistance. We have been waiting for months on a list for respite care because of the demand of others needing care.
And though my son will be elidgable for a weekend program soon enough, he will still have needs at the home. So where do you get those needs met? It is hard to find childcare especially when you have an autistic child who is non-verbal, and as far as affording a Nanny it is even more difficult.
When having a special needs kid comes along, special challenges having time to yourself is one, but as days pass by and years move on we still have yet to find a cure for autism, know what has caused it, and have challenges ahead for all.
