What have you learned on your ASD journey?

[Cafe AmyS]

Is there something you learned along your ASD journey that you wish you knew sooner? Now’s your chance to share it!  

Tell us what YOU think every mom with a child on the spectrum needs to know – and you could win a $50 gift card!

The more times you reply, the better your chances of winning! So be sure to share your best advice – one post at a time – below.

Contest rules:

• The Autism: Support Across the Spectrum contest starts 3/30/12 at 11am (ET) and ends 4/30/2012 at 11:59pm (ET) (the "Contest Period").
• Enter by replying to this post with an appropriate comment during the Contest Period. 
• Multiple entries are permitted and encouraged, as it increases your chances of winning. 
• One (1) winner will be selected in a random drawing of all eligible entries to receive $50 gift card to Target, Walmart or Amazon.com.  
• The random drawing shall occur on or about 4/30/12.

*No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 16 years and older. Void where prohibited. Click here for the rest of the Official Rules.

[MissTacoBell]

Be patient.

[maciymommieof3]

 I have learned that "back in the day" they were sent to a corner in the classroom to sit and rock, flap or whatever...how sad

[eliptica24]

never forget to give them a hug

[eliptica24]

most autistic kids are EXTREMELY intelligent, find that one or few things they excel at and use that to help in therapy and to create a social connection

[eliptica24]

try everything, such as change of diets, therapy styles, and promotion of timulus, but take notes and use what can be used and toss what cant or shows no helping.

[eliptica24]

every small step leads towards a final goal. small steps are big achievments

[eliptica24]

having other kids fall by the way side can cause a lot of risentment and frustration that is unneccessary. be as equal with showing your love with each child 

[eliptica24]

try to have as "normal" routine as possible, concentrating on jsut the special needs child

[eliptica24]

IEPs and 504s are a huge part of an autistic childs life in school. read up and know that YOU are in charge, not the school. if they say they cant do something bc of funding they are pulling your tail. every school is allotted money specifically for the needs of special needs children. if you have to threaten them with telling the news or lawyers do so, you are in control.

[eliptica24]

always consider suggestions from teachers, doctors, and specialists, but make sure to question everything. knowledge is power.