I'm thinking of joining an Autism support group. My fear is that it will be like one of those dry representations that I've seen on TV where everyone uncomfortably sits in a circle and shares. AWKWARD!!!!
My 6 year old has Autism and anyone out there who has dealt with it knows that it can bring a lot of joy and a lot of other stuff too. I've spent his whole life going to therapists, doctors, etc. I've made social stories etc. My friend had the nerve to tell me that his behaviors are the result of me. That he acts that way b/c I don't have high enough expectations for him. It hurt me so bad after all the work that I have done. I try so hard. She doesn't get it b/c she doesn't live it. I live Autism every day. She doesn't understand how it feels to have to teach a kid to look at you in the eye. Or teach them the vast number of social skills that I've been trying to teach him. Okay... I'm ranting here. The point is that it hurt me immensely and I feel like I need to get to know people who are dealing with it. Who understand and I can talk to and know that they know b/c they have truly been there too.
So... to anyone who is in such a group or knows someone who is are they as horrible as they look on TV? That's why I've never considered it in the past. Looks too awkward. haha! Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance Mamas! Whenever I want some good ideas I know that you will come through! I might need a Mamapedia addict support group! hehe! :-)
@ Ephie D. I LOVED the link you put on your post. It gave me tears. My son is obsessed with toilets. I always feel so bad for him b/c he gets reactions from ppl b/c it's weird. But if it was monster trucks or something like that nobody would say a word. I do limit it and try to teach him that we have to talk about other things, but there is some joy in it that I don't want to take from him. He made a paper sign and hung it on our bathroom door that was a restroom sign. For Christmas I got on compliancesigns.com and ordered him a REAL bathroom sign complete with braille. He was so happy. He asked me how I got it. There's a time and a place, but I wouldn't trade that smile for anything in the world. That article was the best!!!! Thank you so much!!!!!
Thanks so much for all the other posts I've gotten so far!!! I look forward to hearing from anyone else, but I am glad to know some positive experiences and ideas from you Mamas. It means a lot to me!!!
Go.
i don't know nuthin about autism support groups, but AA groups are generally not like they are on tv either.
They say out loud what you've been thinking, but were too embarassed to say to other people. That's been my experience
Go ahead and try it.
Everyone else will be as awkward as you.
Usually support groups are very welcoming.
I knew of a Mom with an Autistic son, that was in one.
She made many friends there.
Because yes, no one else, would understand.
I can't believe, your so called "friend" said it was your fault.
Horrible.
I would not call her my friend.
I realized the other night, as I was pondering the behavior struggles, social anxiety, etc. issues that my son has been going through, that I really wished I could talk to someone who was going through the same thing. I'm finding myself starting to become a little more reclusive around certain people because I don't like hearing them talk about how perfect their kids are or question why mine is perhaps, less than perfect. I would definitely give it a try! Even if you found just ONE person that you really connected with that you could lean on for support even outside of a group setting...I think it would be worth it.
Oh yes, many! Support groups can be wonderful.
For me, they provide an opportunity to feel understood and witnessed. It was wonderful when it clicked that 1. I am not alone 2. Others have passed through, and have become stronger as a result. I've also been able to gain new tools, access resources, and listen to really even advice through individuals I meet in support groups.
I will say this: Not all support groups are created equal. Some that I have attended, have been real duds. No matter, I just keep looking until I find one that is a good fit!
For ME, a good support group will usually include a LOT of belly laughin' and probably some good cryin' too.
BTW I thought you might enjoy this article: http://www.shiftjournal.com/2011/11/30/the-obsessive-joy-...
I definitely think you should give it a try. Some support groups can be awkward, but others can be incredibly helpful. Even if you end up not liking the group setting, you might meet one or two other moms that you really connect with and can meet one on one with them for some extra support.
I have attended groups in the past for other things and found most of them to be really helpful. For me, just knowing I'm not alone is always a huge help.
Good luck.
I was in a group while my son was in Early Intervention. I had reservations too but I really enjoyed it and it was very helpful to me. The moderator was a social worker whose daughter had autism AND Down's Syndrome. Go and see how you feel. It might change your mind.
Personally I'm involved in quite a few online support groups, a few regarding autism. My 5 year old is moderate-severe on the autism spectrum. I've found it difficult to meet up with other like-minded people even in autism groups where I am but that is not to deter you from your search at all.
I find that at least in my case people want to do nothing but mourn what their children cannot do, which is of course huge. But, for all of us who have been there done that, and do not look to our children as a source of frustration and need to mourn that which they cannot do constantly, those types of groups are not productive or conducive to our journey on this wild and crazy ride that is autism.
I really hope you find a solid support group. :)
I do.
I'll admit before you get comfortable and make some friends it is awkward. Think first day of middle school or high school. Till you made a friend in the class it's just kinda weird. After that it is great though. You get comfortable sharing. Of course you'll find friends in there and even people that annoy you more than likely.... and whenever they speak you get annoyed.
It really isn't much different than school in all honesty. I'm in two support groups and there is also kinda a support club I belong to as well. They aren't much different. Club does more fun things. Goes to restaurants together, have pot lucks. Stuff like that but again it's still like high school. Some people you'll like and you can lean on while others you'll just be ok if they couldn't make it that day. hehe
