trying to see what future looks like

[clgonzal]

I know, I know, not everybody is equal and Autism do not affect two individual in the same way, and I know all depends how much you support them and help them develop, but I just want to see is anyone out there has a son with mostly the same characteristics.

I'll make a good summary for characteristics:
My son is 2 1/2 y/o
He does look at the face
With therapy he is now coming when you call it, sitting/standing/other
Comunications using signs like eat/more/done, making noises like he's singing during day, and from time to time he's trying to imitate some sound I do to him.
For playing porpose he always took you by the hand to whatever play he wants to do.
He's sensitive to touch, smell and taste, he won't eat all kinds of food, and avoid some by just looking, tasting some, or touching. if one of this things is not appropiate he won't like it, for instance gummy/marsh seems untolerable to touch and no matter how good they taste he won't eat them.
He doesn't have any violence reaction or outburst (at least for now)
He loves numbers and letter , khows whole alphabet and number 1 to 20
Loves videos with music like sesame street home videos.

Here comes finnaly the question :D

does anybody has had his son at his age with same or some of his ways that can tell me and explain how is he doing now?

[AutMom]

I think you would get different scenarios from people.

My adult son lives at home. We are the parent/guardians. He has a day program with an assistant. He does some volunteer, recreational, exercise type things. When its available, he's had some paid work, though limited hours. He's verbal, though has back-up communication available. We've been able to address his discomforts through Paxil and many supplements. He still likes game shows & computers. There has been ups and downs along the way, though he's doing well now. We've found that milk causes problems for him, so he's totally casein free and takes enzymes & probiotics along with many supplements.

[sharon]

[QUOTE=clgonzal]I know, I know, not everybody is equal and Autism do not affect two individual in the same way, and I know all depends how much you support them and help them develop, but I just want to see is anyone out there has a son with mostly the same characteristics.

I'll make a good summary for characteristics:
My son is 2 1/2 y/o
He does look at the face
With therapy he is now coming when you call it, sitting/standing/other
Comunications using signs like eat/more/done, making noises like he's singing during day, and from time to time he's trying to imitate some sound I do to him.
For playing porpose he always took you by the hand to whatever play he wants to do.
He's sensitive to touch, smell and taste, he won't eat all kinds of food, and avoid some by just looking, tasting some, or touching. if one of this things is not appropiate he won't like it, for instance gummy/marsh seems untolerable to touch and no matter how good they taste he won't eat them.
He doesn't have any violence reaction or outburst (at least for now)
He loves numbers and letter , khows whole alphabet and number 1 to 20
Loves videos with music like sesame street home videos.

Here comes finnaly the question :D

does anybody has had his son at his age with same or some of his ways that can tell me and explain how is he doing now?[/QUOTE]

I do not have a son with Autism but I have spent six years working with children and families who have received the diagnosis. ( I am also a mother, so I do understand the deep love and level of commitment we feel for our children) It has been a privledge, a puzzle and an honor to assist in facilitating the best outcome possible for children with Autism and their families.

At 2 1/2, your son seems to be making some inroads to communication. He seems to have some clear ways to let you know what he does and does not like. Is he in an intervention program or did you and your family teach him the signs?

I would highly recommend exploring early intervention to compliment what your family is doing for your son. A great team consists of parents,therapists and teachers who have clear communication and a common goal. You are in control as the parent. You lead the team as you are the person/persons who know your son best. Educate yourself to the treatments available and take control. Don't be afraid of them(the therapists). They want to help your child. If they are innappropriate, pushy or offensive - send them packing! There are amazing people out there, you don't have to accept the pompous or the absurd.

You say that he makes eye contact/ contact with you, insist on that from him. That will be the basis of your success. Children with Autism seem to have difficulty referencing others in social situations. They may not see the importance of what we have to say at any given moment. (They may not be far from wrong!)

Communication is the key. Find ways to solidify your communiacations with word, sign or pecs. Insist on reasonable limits. Trust your son and research programs that you can impliment as a family and/or a quality program that will support your philosophy for your son. Always trust your instincts and always be willing to see the forest for the trees!

[clgonzal]

Thanks Shanon

He's alreay in an early intervention program, he have an OT, BT and speach therapist , but my wife and I work around clock also to re-inforce what the therapist are trying to accomplish. My wife is very depress since he's been diagnosed and can't help to cry every night.

Right know where trying to get him in UCP, thy have a wonderfull program for childs with learning disabilities.

[AutMom]

[QUOTE=clgonzal]My wife is very depress since he's been diagnosed and can't help to cry every night.
.[/QUOTE]

This is not uncommon under the circumstances. Hopefully the depression/crying phase will be temporary.

[Butch01]

Dont stress. I had almost the exact same conditions when I was his age, and now I am a sophmore in college witha 3.5 grade point average. I still struggle with many things, because, beleive me, autism is not easy to live with. All I can tell you is to keep working with him; He needs constant interaction to bring him out of his shell. My Mother did this for me, and look at me now, I am a fully functioning adult. work, work work, thats all I can tell you. It wont be easy, but its not impossible. Trust me.

[GraceR]

I have two sons with autism. They both were like your son at two years old. They are now 12 years old, and they look very different from each other. One son has turned out to be quite a math wiz. He can multiply double and triple digit numbers in his head. He has kept up academically with his 5th grade peers, but due to his language delay is a little behind in reading comprehension and writing skills. He plays the cello, rides horses, skis, rides a bicycle, and roller blades.

My other son has more sensory issues, and because of them, he is homeschooled. He's a strong speller and can read, but again, because of his language delay his comprehension is poor. He struggles with math, but we have found a system that works for him. He loves physical activity - swimming, hiking, bike riding, cross-country skiing, and roller blading.

[Julie]

[QUOTE=clgonzal]Thanks Shanon

He's alreay in an early intervention program, he have an OT, BT and speach therapist , but my wife and I work around clock also to re-inforce what the therapist are trying to accomplish. My wife is very depress since he's been diagnosed and can't help to cry every night.

Right know where trying to get him in UCP, thy have a wonderfull program for childs with learning disabilities.[/QUOTE]

A diagnosis of autism is not a death sentence. I am 30 years old, married, working two jobs in the IT industry (and making good money) and yet I still have my difficulties. I did not go through special education, although I went through a very short bout of ABA therapy as a kid (It didn't help...caused more problems really, so my parents just raised me on their own). I was very aware of the fact that my parents were hoping for a normal child and remember being talked about as if I was not there.

My self esteem is still not the greatest, but I'm teaching myself that what my parents expectations were need not affect me as I work towards my own future. I cannot allow their feeelings of failure to affect me. That is their problem, not mine.

While I may not have displayed emotions, I certainly felt them and knew that the pall of failure was hanging over me. That is probably the only complaint I have about my upbringing...otherwise, I think my parents did everything right in raising me.

It won't be easy, but if you raise your child to know, accept and work with his differences (rather than against them) as well as letting him know that he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to in life...he will surprise you and hopefully in a good way! My father always said that I can do whatever I put my mind to and I have...despite my difficulties. I've learned to work with them and sure I have bad times, but I also have good times.

Each autistic person is different and I'm thinking your son will have a positive future if he is encouraged, taught how to cope and taught that he is a valuable human being despite his differences.

Just my thoughts. Best wishes as you raise your son! :)

Julie