Hi Mamas,
My son was recently evaluated by the school system (they have a very good program) and has qualified for pre-school intervention (PPCD). I want to learn more about what we're dealing with and what I can expect. His areas of challenge are in social language (pragmatic) and social skills (conversation, eye contact, etc.).He's very verbal, smart, can express himself well when not under pressure, etc. The teacher at his preschool has noticed this after a few days. I'm hoping to get more of a handle on things as time goes by, as his issues haven't really manifested at home - they come up in an outside setting so we didn't really see them at home.
Can anyone recommend websites, etc. that I can go to for info, support, ideas, etc.? Any resources in the North Dallas area?
Thank you very much!
I'm with Kristi. Find a social worker or speech therapist running a social skills group. My kid has been in one for more than a year now, and it's a great help.
Also, some groups/emails to subscribe to:
Schafer Autism Report
Craig.Kend____@____.comrsSociety.org
Also, read anything by Michelle Garcia Winner, Be Different by John Elder Robinson, and go on Amazon and look up books on social skills or life skills for autism or aspergers.
http://childrenwithasd.proboards.com is a great community of parents whose kids are on various places along the autism spectrum, I've found it to be a great source of moral support as well as practical advice for working with your school district, etc.
The best people to talk to are the people that evaluated your son, and the school he will be attending. They should give you as much information you need in regards to what to do next.
You need to get your name on the Autism Waiver list, that will open up many doors for you. You can also apply for social security/disability that will help you with your son. It is important to do this early as it takes a looooooong time for your name to get to the top of the list (first come, first serve basis).
http://www.angelfire.com/tx5/autismlist/financialassistan...
http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/fsdb/category.php?s...
http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/
http://www.cindysautisticsupport.com/
I hope these sites help a little. There are so many books out there that are a good read if you like reading. Raising a Sensory Smart Child, and Eating for autism are among the many good ones out there.
Ask questions, meet with people in the Autism Circles, and hear what their experiences are. Your Early Childhood Intervention/Infant toddler services should also be able to help or answer some questions you might have.
God Bless. You are a wonderful mommy who loves her boy very much. You are truly blessed. My son was also diagnosed in June, and he too will enter the PPCD soon. Keep up the good work, PM me if you have questions. I don't know much myself but I will be happy to share my experiences with you.
I'm not sure of the closest location of the Autism Society is in TX, but that organization here in MN is an awesome resource.
Check out Brainworx in Plano. This is our "one stop shop" for our son.
http://brainworxcenters.com/
This is a new resource that just opened in Old Town Keller. Www.greatertots.org
www.autismspot.com
Great resources and the couple who run this have a child with aspergers.
LC
This isn't exactly what you asked- but we found the most benefit from social pragmatic playgroups- I am sure there are some in Dallas. They made a world of difference. Good luck- it gets less overwhelming,
There are some good resources around here. Speech therapists are experts in working with kids on pragmatics and social skills, so I would recommend getting him into speech. There are companies where you take him to a clinic and then others that will come to your home. PM me if you want some specific ideas. There are some good online support groups too...one is called Warrior Moms and I think its a yahoo group but I can check on that. There is also a woman in our area named Marilyn Montiero. She is a PhD Psychologist who diagnoses Autism Spectrum Disorders for some local school districts she contracts with. But she also wrote a book called Autism Conversations that has some good info on just how to conceptualize this group of disorders in a way that makes sense and gives you a good place to start dealing with it. You are awesome for wanting to get right out there and start learning - what a lucky little boy to have a mommy like you! Good luck and let me know if I can help further.
