My DS just got diagnosed with Autism...

[Sheree Bobbins]

 

[Wonders10]

I can't imagine the range of emotions you are feeling. Think of it as just a label. He will now be able to get the intervention services that will help him.

He is is still the sweet little boy you loved yesterday and will continue to love today and forever

Yes it is just a label. I sometimes like to think of the label as the ticket he needs to get all the services that will make Sam a happier boy!

It's been almost 7.5 years since our diagnosis. The best advice I can give you is to educate yourself and advocate for your child. Also, remember that he's still the same great kid that he was before he got a label. If anything, the label of autism makes me appreciate and love my son more.

I second this, being an advocate for your child is so important. Don't consume yourself with it - have a life! But attend seminars in your area on areas you know he needs help with, i.e. communication. Check with you local universities - ours has them a lot. Even statewide universities will have courses that travel around the country. We also have CARD - Center for Autism Related Disabilities. Not sure if it is a Florida thing or not, but I'd look into it.

OP here...

Thank you for all the warm, supportive, and informative replies. I feel much better about this with each passing hour. I know that the services he is going to receive will do him a world of good. My only remaining concern is the possible 'label' he will have by teachers or administrators that read his IEP and possibly judge him before they ever have/teach him. And I know that scenerio isn't that likely, but I do worry about the 'bad seed' teachers (and hope neither of my kids have a teacher like that).

Now I have to go thru the mountain of paperwork to get him registered with the school system for his 3's Pre-K in the fall.

Thank you again for letting me vent...

I am a speech pathologist in the school system (I do private therapy too) and the majority of my students are on the autism spectrum - our school has 3 separate classes for the students with ASD that can't quite function all day in a "typical" classroom and need that extra support. Having been that person who reads the IEP - sometimes before meeting the child, I have come to realize that the IEP and the actual child are often very different. I will admit to reading a child's goals, info, etc and thinking one thing and then finally meeting the child and thinking, wow - he can do so much more. Or he's nothing like his IEP. For our students who are mainstreamed out into Gen-Ed, our admin and ASD teachers are very good at placing those students in the class with the supporting and understanding teachers.

Good Luck!

 

[golfgal]

Read the post "Just got the news" it will warm your heart!!!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2464389