My son is 5 yrs old and is autistic and i feel so overwhelmed with his needs.

[marcysbaby]

he was diagnosed at the age of almost three and i have been trying to deal with the fact that he is not like my oth er children. i cannot take him to the stores or to any restaurant because he has major meltdowns. people stare and even give him ugly looks because of the screaming and crying. i sometimes just want to cry because i feel so bad for him. i love my son more than life itself, i just wish i could help him deal with certain situations that come his way.

[culinaryqueen]

Oh, I have felt this way many times, its hard because as a mother you want to help your child and sometimes at least with my son I will have all behavioral issue come at me at the same time with no warning, and yes it will usually happen within a store..grrrr.. I cry alot to, BUT...once I cry and let the fustration out then I feel like my head is clear and I will feel strong inside again.  Ahhh I am sorry I understand the fustration, I am sending you internet hugs...

[dawncs]

Have you tried getting him sensory integration therapy? It is done by an occupational therapist. You should look to see if your health insurance covers it, or you can see if it is added to his Individual Education Plan also known as an I.E.P.

[marcysbaby]

thanks, i really do feel better after some tears.

[marcysbaby]

he actually does see an OT once a week. we do the brushing and other things with him but nothing seems to really help.

[marisab]

 Hmmm what is his official diagnosis !and i dont stop taking my son out because hes melting downs i ytry to work around teh meltdowns because as my sons teaxher said he needs to learn how to deal

[marcysbaby]

he has been diagnosed with aphasia, apraxia, and congenital developmental disorder. one doctor also diagnosed him with mental retardation. and of course the autistic disorder.

[ROGUEM]

 My son was exactly like that at age five.  Crowds, loud noises, smells could set him off.  At best he was whining in a store, at worst, well you imagine how bad it can get.  I had to set him a buggy so he won't lay down on the floor and flail around or run from me.  He would sometimes even try to kick at people as they walked by if they got to close to him....LOL

I hated to go out in public but felt we had to go to so things to try to get him out some.  At 6 we tried medication, and it totally calmed him.  It really helped with his sensory issue and his anxiety.  He stopped having meltdowns.  Now at 8 he can go most any place.  He pushs the cart and marks things off the list for me.  I get compliments on his behavior.

I guess what I am saying is where your son is now is not where he will always be.  We did sensory therapy, behaviorial therapy and medication was the missing piece that brought it together.  Keep trying to find the key to helping your son.

I can really feel for you.  Many times I would drive home crying with my heart so heavy.  I would wonder will it ever get better?  What will happen when he gets better?  I don't want you to wonder like I did, I promise it will get better.

HUGS

[marisab]

 what helps with me is since i have a two year old w etake a strolwer and when we go in places he goes in teh back seat so that he is away from the crowd and noise a lil

[mimi2shoes]

i have three boys with autism ages 7,9&13. i know how you feel,it's hard to go public places due to behaviors. i took my boys to the public pool and someone called 911. we were held for almost an hour at the pool entrance by the police. the police were taking photos of my boys and grilling us while drawing a large and embarasing crowd. i felt angry and embarased,it took a long time to get over that.                              

[oregonbossfan]

I would also checking into resources in your local area-google search-Autism and your state.  There are lots of great program out their for help.  There are support groups for parents, rec/sports activities for children.  There are lots of resources out there for help/support for you and your family.

If you have not already applied for SSI for you child-I would do that as soon as possible. SSI offers a program for children with disability.   You can start the process on line to apply.  While there are some income requirements-It does not cost anything to apply.  Depending on the state and your child's disability.  It can provide some much needed financial assistance.  It can take quite a while to hear a decision-but if you do get a positive decision-its worth it!

Also-check into your State Developmental Disablity Program-each county should have their own program.  They will have a seperate Case Management program-that can help provide support/resources.  This is another program that doesn't cost anything to apply-and sometime they can provide need financial help.

Easter Seals-Has now expanded their programs to include children with autism, and they also offer a variety of programs.  Sometime they can provide some funding for respite care-in home care providers.

There are also certified Respite care providers through each state Develop Disability Program-which require training/background checks.  You can also hire a respite care provider who will come into your home, and provide much need relief. 

If you child is currently in a special education program, and you do have contact with other special needs parents.  You can also network with them-No one understand better than some one who lives with a specail needs child.  All the parents in my son classroom-Special Educ-Life Skills-have started a facebook page, and we all organize play date/b-day party etc.