Autism?

[tamarab30]

Well we have come home from Sam's neuro appointment with a diagnosis of Autism (and a brochure)
Anyone have any experience with Autism and can point me in the right direction of useful support groups, books or websites?
I live in Brisbane and Sam is 7.5 years, and also has moderately severe spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, cortical vision impairment, epilepsy, intellectual impairment, severe cerebral irritability (which I'm not sure will still be classsified as, maybe just Autism now as they seem to be one and the same really).
I feel pretty devastated to be honest, how much more does my poor little boy have to deal with? Or does it even matter and I am just being a big sook?
I probably should be happy with the diagnosis as at least we can learn how to manage Sam's complex behaviours instead of beating our head against a brick wall in trying to deal with these behaviours in the same way that we have with our healthy children. So why don't I feel so happy deep inside about it then?

[~Luna~]

Wow, it's never easy to accept a label/diagnosis for our children, even if it does offer insight on the "whys".
I did a google search for you and maybe one of these places can offer you some support..

Learning Difficulties Coalition

http://www.aspect.org.au/default.asp#logo

Autism, Asperger's syndrome, PDD-NOS and related disorders: fact sheets to help parents

[possum]

at least we can learn how to manage Sam's complex behaviours instead of beating our head against a brick wall in trying to deal with these behaviours in the same way that we have with our healthy children.

As hard as it is for you to have another thing to deal with I think you will find it is a great help to know why he isnt responding the same way your other kids do. You are not a sook although you proberly do need a good cry!
I dont know about up there as much im in NSW but if you do a seach you should be able to find a Autism association somewhere near you.

It sucks big time that Sam (and the rest of you) have to deal with this ontop of all he already has, big hugs to you all

[JAK]

((HUGS))) Tamara.
J has autism, diagnosed at 2.5yrs - he's 10 now. I'd suggest you ring Autism QLD Autism Queensland : Education, Therapy and Support Services. I've used autism Vic alot and they've always been great support, they should also be able to provide you with a list of irl support groups too. Here's a support group - Autism Support Group Qld | Google Groups

I have a few books, Tony Attwood books are my bible Tony Attwood

Don't feel like a sook, I fall apart with each new diagnosis J gets (and it really does seem so unfair doesn't it). Let yourself feel that saddness, shock or whatever emotion it is.

Oh, I'm happy to lend out some books if you want too. I'm also happy to chat anytime (or have a whinge, cry or scream to, lol).

[cath3boys]

Hello All,

This thread caught my attention as we are in the midst of having DS#2 assessed. We will see a pediatrician in a few weeks, but the GP suspects Aspergers.

Thanks for the links, I will go have a read.

Thanks