Looking For Advise.... - Autism Spectrum Message Board

Tina~ · 08-24-2006, 11:20 PM

Hi All!

I'm new here, so I may need a little help finding my way around.

My best friend has 3 children who struggle, each a little different from the other. She is a wonderful person, who is really going through a hard time right now. I'm hoping to find some advise and support that I can offer her.

One of her children has been diagnosed with Autism, she is highly functional, and a lovely young lady.

Another one of her children has been diagnoed with Aspergers, and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. A sweet little guy that's hurting an awful lot because of being so rejected from his peers.

With school beginning next week for them, anxiety is high, and hope is low. Any advise for a friend who would do anything to help....

9CatMom · 08-25-2006, 06:17 AM

My heart goes out to this woman and her children. I have no advice to give, but I wish for the best for these children.

sross24 · 08-25-2006, 07:46 AM

What a wonderful friend you are to come here and seek advice. I have four children, three of which are on the autism spectrum. We too struggle everyday. When I first found out, I found that my friends kind of distanced themselves from me. It was as if they didn't know what to say, so they chose to say nothing at all. Then one day I forwarded my friends a video from the internet explaining what it is like to live with autism. All of the sudden, they all understood much better what our family was going through.

I have one friend who has been so supportive. She started doing autism research and forwarding me links to important websites. It means so much to know that she is willing to help. Really what your friend probably needs the most right now is someone to listen. And if you can offer to help by taking a kid for her one day so she can get some rest and relaxation time, I'm sure she would appreciate it.

Take some time and learn as much as you can about autism, the struggles that the children face, and the struggles that the families face. That will mean a lot to your friend if you educate yourself on the subject.

Good luck to both you and your friend.

-Steph

9CatMom · 08-25-2006, 08:00 AM

Steph,

I have found the people here to be very supportive. They are tolerant of me when I speak of the comparatively small issues I face every day, and don't say, "Oh, there is nothing wrong." I do feel fortunate to have the intelligence and coping skills to function well in my working environment, but I want to develop the skills to advance in other areas. I don't believe problems have to be serious to merit concern. The people here are really understanding.

Tina~ · 08-25-2006, 08:06 AM

Thank you so much for the encouraging words 9CatMom, and Sross24 , I'm feeling more hopeful already. I can only imagine how hearing what you've had to say, and what others who share these concerns might be able to offer, would make her feel. She is in such need of a major HOPE booster.

Her children are pretty on the outside, but they are BEAUTIFUL on the inside, really wonderful kids. I'm so hoping to find a place where she can get some good advise, and encouragement/hope from others experiences.

Thanks again, the world is a better place because of folks like you....