Hi, my name is Cris. I am a married mother of two boys ages 13 and 9. My 13 year old is Autistic and suffers greatly from Anxiety possibly the start of some obsessive traits. My youngest just turned 9 he is ADHD, ODD, has a slight tic disorder and also suffers slightly from anxiety. I'm hoping to make new friends and gain a support system. I'm tired of feeling lonely! :crying:
I have 2 DDs and they are 18 and 16. My 18 year old is on the autism spectrum, has a social anxiety disorder, and has extreme sensory issues. My 16 year old is neuro-typical.
13 was a super tough year for my older DD. It was rough, and it seemed like she just kept getting worse and worse. Eventually, things leveled off and then started getting better. I think, that at least for her, the hormonal imbalance of adolescence caused her autism traits to intensify. But once she was truly on the other side of that, she found a new equilibrium.
At 13, I wondered if she would ever be functional outside the house. She is now attending community college and doing pretty well there, and she drives a car very safely. She has a few friends, who are also quirky. She's growing up.
I have 3 boys 11, 5 & 2. My oldest is on the spectrum & on the lower functioning end. Things have started ramping up & I'm pretty nervous for the hormonal storm coming/arriving. The good news is I hear things level out in the late teen years. I would love to chat & support each other. I live in a very rural area w/ no support groups & would love to connect with you via online/email/text what every works.
My social life has definitely suffered so I hear you about feeling isolated at times. It would be great to chat about marriage as well since we have stressors typical couples don't.
It can be isolating for sure. Even within your home. My husband refuses to believe the diagnosis, won't even read up on it or hear about it. I never thought I would ever be posting that...its just that after 8 years of this our emotional reserves are pretty much on empty. :frown: It doesn't fit into a pinterest world. Its not an honor-roll and speaking 3 languages post for FB friends. Don't want to bring down your friends but don't have the energy to smile and pretend everything is great and discuss tupperware? Discovering how anxiety can be contagious.
I've been there. My oldest son is on the spectrum, but fairly high functioning at this point. He's 15 now, but at 9 we went into a tailspin. I couldn't leave him alone with his younger brothers because he played too rough or got angry and would hit them. I got called to school to pick him up from a class that specialized in children on the spectrum because he was so out of control.
I cried pretty much every night of exhaustion, frustration and fear. It can be so stressful to a family and when you don't have anyone who seems to "get" it, it is depressing. I remember listening to my sisters go on and on about their children and how they were doing so great at school and in all sorts of extra curricular activities and thinking, "hey, my son didn't hit anyone today. Hurrah!" So, just know that you are not alone in this.
I've been there. My oldest son is on the spectrum, but fairly high functioning at this point. He's 15 now, but at 9 we went into a tailspin. I couldn't leave him alone with his younger brothers because he played too rough or got angry and would hit them. I got called to school to pick him up from a class that specialized in children on the spectrum because he was so out of control.
I cried pretty much every night of exhaustion, frustration and fear. It can be so stressful to a family and when you don't have anyone who seems to "get" it, it is depressing. I remember listening to my sisters go on and on about their children and how they were doing so great at school and in all sorts of extra curricular activities and thinking, "hey, my son didn't hit anyone today. Hurrah!" So, just know that you are not alone in this.
QueenOfTheMeadow ~ What do you think helped your son change course. I research my booty off but would love idea/tips/suggestions from someone on the other side of the storm.
Heather ~ If you ever wanted to chat let me know. I would love to create more support for each other as I totally get depleted emotional reserves.
Honestly, I'm not sure exactly what helped. He had PT, OT, speech therapy, play therapy, regular therapy, supplements, medication, special diet, lots of support at school. You name it, we did it.
Then in 7th grade things just suddenly clicked for him. I remember going to his monthly meeting and leaving in tears, happy ones! He still has trouble socially and he can be very rigid about certain things, and he has occasional outbursts at home. So it's not all a bed of roses, but it is an amazing transformation, one I never thought I'd ever see.
Honestly, I'm not sure exactly what helped. He had PT, OT, speech therapy, play therapy, regular therapy, supplements, medication, special diet, lots of support at school. You name it, we did it.
Then in 7th grade things just suddenly clicked for him. I remember going to his monthly meeting and leaving in tears, happy ones! He still has trouble socially and he can be very rigid about certain things, and he has occasional outbursts at home. So it's not all a bed of roses, but it is an amazing transformation, one I never thought I'd ever see.
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Your words warm my heart. We've had an especially rough 2-3 weeks here so your words give me hope. We'll just keep pushing forward with the diet, supplements & therapies ~ One day at a time :smile:
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