Acceptance delay assessment?
My biggest wish as a parent of a child with autism? That my son be accepted for exactly who he is, including his quirky behaviors and intense interest on specific subjects.
This teacher, and author of This Teaching Life, writes about her total acceptance of a student’s quirky behaviors.
“Academically, Liam preferred to work alone and was above grade level in all areas. He brilliantly wrote screen plays on the Polynesian Wars and created story boards as he planned out his movies. I didn’t think Liam was autistic, I just thought he needed to be taught in a different way to tap into his quirky personality and view of the world. I believed his personality made him who he was and didn’t believe he was “on the spectrum.”
However, because of nutritional concerns, Liam did get an assessment and diagnosis.
Read about this dedicated teacher’s journey with her student.
Voices muted, autism bill blocked
Many states don’t have laws to make insurance companies provide coverage for autistic kids. Judith Boston, author of Autismville, expresses her outrage at this recent news story.
“OKLAHOMA CITY — Parents crowded into a committee meeting Wednesday to express their support for “Nick’s Law,” which would force insurance companies to provide health coverage for autistic children.
But no one was allowed to speak.”
Reassurances aside, the defining moment
Many moms have a sense or an observation their child interacts with the world differently. It’s not uncommon they are reassured by family, friends and even their pediatrician everything is typical.
Karen Putz, author of A Deaf Mom Shares Her World and a blogger at Parenting Squad, writes about one mother’s experience.
“Patricia’s ‘defining moment’ came when she went to pick up Franklin at a children’s program after church. When she arrived, she noticed that all of the children had smiling faces and were running to the gate to greet their parents. All of them, except Frankie. He was sitting in a corner holding his blanket and rocking back and forth.”
Read more about this mom’s defining moment and path to diagnosis here.
Children’s books on autism
How do you explain autism to kids? This single mom to two, and author of Mommy Shops for a Reason, recommends a couple of titles.
You can see what they are here.
So you have a diagnosis, now what?
It’s been a long road from concern to diagnosis. For some it may feel like a relief to finally have a name and for others maybe not. Either way, now what?
Charlene Westman, author of Speak Out, shares information about “The First 100 Days Kit” offered by Autism Speaks.
“The document is concise, well-written and very functional. In addition to providing current information about the nature of autism, it also provides information about how having a child with ASD may affect the family, how to obtain services for a child, information about IDEA, explanations about different types of treatment, safety information, and some handy forms that can assist the family in creating an action plan during this important time.”
To find the kit and read more about the post, visit her blog here.
These are only a few of the posts by those blogging for autism awareness. There many, many great posts being written that aren’t shown here. Check the right rail to find more.
Related posts:
- Autism Reads: From hiding in the closet to converting bullies
- Autism Reads: From the financial strains of autism to bad parenting as the cause
- Autism Reads: From preemies at risk to financial and emotional bankruptcy
- Autism Reads: From 'Don't speak for me' to autism twitterings
- Autism Reads: From ‘Autism is Hell’ to political correctness
Genevieve Hinson is a social media coordinator for Children's Hospital Central California. She's also a writer, wife and mom to two boys and a girl. The opinions she expresses here are her own, as is her obsession for coffee.
