Parents of autistic children!!!- advice needed

[lovemickeya]

I am a mother of a 3 yo autistic son, lurker on the DIS, and CBRorBust SIL. She posts lots of threads on my behalf.

I was just wondering if there is any good support groups out there for parents of autistic children. I am not really sure about the once a month meetings around the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I am just need to ask a couple of questions here and there as I think of them. DS just started school a little over a week ago and I am not sure if this is all I should be doing.

So if there is any online support groups/chat rooms that you have found helpful, please let me know.

Thanks again of all the prayers and pixie dust that has been sent our way.

 

[janette]

You might try over on the DISabilities board. They could probably point you in the right direction and maybe answer some of your questions.

How are things going with school?

 

[TammiMcMan]

I made the move recently from an office job to teaching in a classroom with autistic children. I'm having the most wonderful experience and I look forward to going to work everyday.

Now that your son has started school, have you spoken to his therapists about what other activities they might recommend for him? I have one student who takes swim lessons twice a week and he really enjoys it. We offer many publications for parents through the school and that would probably be a great place to start. I know our therapists are always happy to talk with the parents and in fact, they encourage communication.

Prayers and hugs for you and your son.

 

[lovemickeya]

School is going well. He is still crying every morning when I leave him. I have not had a chance to talk to the therapist that is working with him now. I have just been told give it time- which I totally understand since he has not been there for very long. I just want to make sure that there isnt anything else I need to be doing along with School to get the best result possible.

 

[RitaZ.]

Have you tried Parentsoup.com or Webmd.com?

It sounds to me like you are really involved in helping your DS, I think that's wonderful!

Best of luck to you finding the information that you're looking for.

 

[missypie]

Lovemickeya, I live in the DFW area and my DS has Apserger's. I've never been in a formal autism support group, but you might just try one out. If you call the Shelton School and get the right person, I bet they would know of everything that is out there.

Any interest in a Christian-based support group? Highland Park Presbyterian Church has a support group for parents of kids with learning diferences. One of the really valuable things about that group is that there are several of those "super moms" in the group with older kids who know all the laws, all the requirements, etc. etc. and they can point you in the right direction on ARDs, etc.

Also, Future Horizons is holding an Asperger's/Autism conference on April 7-8 at the brand new Gaylord Grapevine Hotel, featuring Dr. Temple Grandin [a very well known autistic lady who functions well in the world at large!], Carol Kranowitz, Dr. Lori Ersperger, Nick Martin and Rebecca Moyes.

For more information, call Future Horizons at 1-800-489-072.

I bet if you go out there, besides checking out the very cool resort, you will come away knowing every support organization that exisits in the DFW area.

 

[emmy]

I do a lot of reading on the internet, but don't really know of any good "support groups", but I wanted to say good luck and follow your heart. As a mom you need to be his advocate and as he gets older that can sometimes be a challenge to get him the services and help he needs to succeed.

 

[CBRorBust]

Future Horizons is holding an Asperger's/Autism conference on April 7-8 at the brand new Gaylord Grapevine Hotel, featuring Dr. Temple Grandin [a very well known autistic lady who functions well in the world at large!], Carol Kranowitz, Dr. Lori Ersperger, Nick Martin and Rebecca Moyes.

Ooo! You know I'm game if you want to go! I'd love to hear her speak, and I'd LOVE to tour this new hotel!

I'll have your people call my people...

 

[damo]

I just watched Dr. Grandin on a Canadian talk show. She was fascinating. She stresses a lot of things that parents should do with ALL children like expanding on their current fascinations. For example, if your child is really into dinosaurs you should expand that fascination in every degree possible. Her parents were obviously on the ball!

 

[janette]

Another local school that might have some information is :

Vanguard Preparatory School
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4240 Sigma Rd.
Dallas TX 75244
Rosalind Funderburgh
(972) 404-1616

They specialize in kids with social / learning differences and start with pre-school. My youngest DD attended there 2 1/2 years but for learning differences so I didn't attend some of the things offered for parents of autistic / PDD children. They would probably know of any local groups.

 

[lovemickeya]

Thanks so much for all the information.

I am looking into all the suggestions to find the right one for us. I am just worried about staying ontop of the situation. Thanks Again.

 

[missypie]

By diagnosing by the age of 3, you are already on top of the situation!