Has your child been diagnosed with a disorder (medical, mental, etc.)?
By TawnyJo
@TawnyJo (131)
United States
July 20, 2007 2:50pm CST
If so, do you worry about his or her future? My son was diagnosed with ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome (high functioning Autism)when he was in kindergarten. When his Dr. suggested we have him be tested for Autism I paniced. I immediately thought of Rainman, the character portrayed by Dustin Hoffman in the film of the same name. When the results came back, I cried. I treated it like a death sentence instead of just a medical reason for why he was the way he was. My mom and a good friend helped me see that this didn't mean the end for him. If I hadn't had the support of them, I don't know what I would have done. I still worry about his future and what it will entail but I know that everything is ok. He's still my son and I still love him. Everything will be alright.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@wiccania (3360)
• United States
20 Jul 07
My son was diagnosed with Autism in February. He turned 5 in May. I do worry about his future, I have hope that a good education program will allow him to lead a more normal life. Ultimately, as long as he's happy, I don't care what he ends up doing with his life. I worry more about people potentially taking advantage of him.
But he's still my son. Being Autistic doesn't change who he is, it just gives a name to some of his behaviors and inability to speak more than a few words. He's the light of my life and I adore him more everyday.
@TawnyJo (131)
• United States
20 Jul 07
I totally agree. I think the most important thing is that they know they are loved. My son is doing quite well now. He does get taken advantage of at times, he's easy to manipulate and trusts too easily. He'll be in 5th grade this fall and with the help of an Associate, he's doing pretty good. I'm very proud of how far he's come.
@Foxxee (3651)
• United States
21 Jul 07
We are going through the same thing right now with our son who is 18 months and showing all the signs of autism. It's hard, but a close friend of mine told me that autistic kids just see the world in a different way and believes they are actually the smart ones. And if you think about it, look at all the autistic kids/read about them, they are smart kids, just in a different way.
So keep your head high!
As for ADHD, that really isn't anything like Autism, but dealing with both must be hard, but just remember that this is what makes your son who he is today and I'm sure he is a smart little guy and he is someone special!
DOn't let anyone else tell you different!
