Son finally diagnosed with Asbergers and ADHD

[miamorbaby]

I knew the minute he started walking that he was different from most kids. Couldn't handle changes, couldnt sit stil yet so smart.....it was very isolating. We couldnt bring him many places without the expected flip out when we leave or if things weren't to his comfort level. So, now he's in Kindergarten and the school and clinc did their evaluations and both came up with same diagnoses. Relieved to have something to work with, but also grieving. Did anyone else deal with these emotions? Somedays I'm strong and some days I want to crawl under the covers and cry for him, for me and the future....Please give me some advise or wisdom. Thanks XO

[TYLERSMOM2000]

Take one day at a time, has been our motto since my son was diagnosed 3 years ago with Aspergers and ADHD, he's 9 now.  We have definitely had our issues throughout this journey, and we struggle in alot of areas in school, but Tyler this year so far made the Honor Roll in the 1st quarter.  We've had to use medication for some of our issues, but overrall he's doing pretty good.  And your definitely not alone in having the emotions up and down.  It was nice to put a name to our issues, but yeah I still get upset sometimes and worry about his future and ours.  Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Kim

[BamaMommy3]

As far as school, be involved if you can. Keep good contact with his teacher, email is a great way. School is half of his life and where he will experience the most difficulties, especially socially. My son is in first grade now and is just now noticing that he is different from the other kids in his class. That has been the hardest part. But it has helped to read stories about what he is dealing with. He loves the book "All cats have Aspergers". When I read it, I leave out the Aspergers part (not ready to explain that yet), but he can relate with the cats and it gets him talking about his feelings. He will say, "Mommy I feel like that cat"... then you can go from there. Make sure you point out his strengths to him. Self esteem is so important. Other kids may think he is strange, but at least he can like his uniqueness. There are days that you want to cry for your child or feel sorry for him, remember his unique qualities. Remember all the people with Aspergers that have gone on to succeed very well in life, if not more so than others. These kids have a passion for something, and whatever that passion is they really want to learn it, so teach as much as you can about that subject, they are sponges. Right now, we are learning all about starwars. I'm sure he won't be a jedi when he grows up, but whatever he wants to be when he grows up, I know he will be damn good at it! Don't forget to take time for yourself. And lastly,  just love the child that God made him to be. He will be ok, and so will you Momma. :)

[BAMzMommy]

When my 5yr old son was diagnosed with Aspergers & ADHD this past April, I was overwhelmed with many emotions.  I kept it together till we left the doctor's office, but then I had to pull over & I cried & cried because I couldn't believe what I had just been told.  I had my suspensions since he was 2 but dismissed the idea because who wants to believe their child is different from the so-called "normal" child.  After crying & feeling guilty over ever punishment I had given him up to this point, I pulled myself together.  I just held him & told him I was going to help him solve his problems.  I don't think he or I will ever have a day that there will not be any struggles, but just think... who does.  And what is "normal".  I mean think about the big picture.  Everyone battles with their own minds everyday no matter if they've been diagnosed with anything or not.  We as parent of Aspie kids have to find what works for our children.  Support groups work best so parents can communicate ideas that may help others with certain issues their Aspie kid is having.  I'm here to help in any way I can, but I need help too.  Good luck & GOD bless us all, especially the children because they're the ones this will effect most for their whole lives.

[miamorbaby]

WOW! Thank you everyone for your advice, support and wisdom. I loved reading your replies. If any of you are on Facebook, please friend me:  Jayme Edwards - MN

[justgrape723]

 sometimes when we get the diagnosis we go thru a grieving process...the anger, the resentment the crying the why me/us it is normal I read a quote soon after we got our sons DX it went something like this.....

"a diagnosis of autism is not the end of the world ...................

           it is the beginning of a whole new world.................................."

Take things one day at a time and sometimes one minute at a time. For us I don't shy away from it I sent out an email to close friends and family to let them all know what was going on. And when we run into friends we haven't seen in a while I am not shy I tell them he has autism. With that I have less explaining to do.

Do lots of research, ask lots of questions of the doctor, the school, other parents of autistic kids, etc

Good luck