Hello Everyone,
I have two young boys ages 4 and almost 3. Both of my boys are autistic and need some more socializing with kids outside of their preschool enviroment. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for me here in the Brunswick area? We haven't had to much success with support programs of any kind in our community.
The boys absolutely love people and love being around kids. Unfortunately they have a hard time communicating to play with other children due to severe speech delays, and we have found some people can be very ignorant to that. Mostly I think it's just that they don't understand the situation.
Anyway, I'm hoping to here of some playgroups or mothers who have groups in this area that get together with their kids so they can socialize and play.
Any and all suggestions would be helpful and appreciated!! Thanks!!
Maybe the G.E.A.R. Network would know of a playgroup? Here is the link:
http://www.crisisandcounseling.org/non-clinical/gear.html
Also the Patten Free library in Bath has some nice story times and in the summer they have things out in the gazebo in front like puppet shows and music shows that may be good to bring the boys to.
I recently learned of this place and I read several of their articles and they seem to be right on track. They also sell products for autistic children.
http://www.timberdoodleautismcenter.com/
Hi Kristin, I'm a navy wife also! It's an intersting life isn't it?!?! Your boys will catch up with their speech issues. I wouldn't worry so much about that. I'm sorry that others haven't been so understanding about his, it hurts you much more than it does your boys i'm sure. I would suggest taking your boys to see an experienced reiki therapist, or one who works with alternative medicine. The reiki will certainly do good, but don't expect immediate results. It can take time. Please avoid medicating them. So many of the psyciatric drugs that doctors are giving out today are totally damaging to children. The drugs cover reality. Instead of helping the problem, it just covers it so that the child can function like a robot, or however the parents want them to. They may talk, act happy, and interact more, but over time it's really hurting them and doesn't allow them to be themselves by fixing it on their own. Try reading this book, The Children of Now. It describes many characteristics of children with autism and ADD. Give it try and let me know if you need any more help, good luck! :)
My 7 yr old has Asberger's too. I signed him up for activities at the YMCA. They'll get you in the right direction.
Good morning Kristin
I also have a autistic son who will be turning 20yrs old in 2 weeks.
I have been through it all and are willing to help you and anyone else here with any subject for autism
My suggestions to you is to start a play group, invite 1 or 2 friends with their parent to come and have a play date at your home. If your home is unavailable/meet at a local playground and bring the snacks. I never had any support groups in our home town when we started this adventure, but now many are in place in town. It just takes 1 person to get the ball rolling, keep advocating for those boys...
Also what about the pre-school what do they have in place for your kids and you could work off of that.
I am currently a 52 yr old full time mom of 3 teens 19,17 and 13. good luck to you kristin
ps after reading the other responses, i will add that the place in bath, me sounds wonderfull, as a young teen my family vacationed in Bath for a couple of years, i thought i would throw that in there.
Getting as many resources as possible to help your young wee ones is the key here, but having a source close to home as in friends coming into the home, will help socialize your kids and they need the balance of that.
Do you know about the Merrymeeting Center for Child Development? It is in Bath, it is a center for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I worked there for 2 years...it is basically a school that takes children with autism and prepares them for transition into the public school system. They accept children ages 3 to 16. They provide speech services, occ. therapy and use applied behavior analysis to teach academics, life skills, etc. I do not know how severe your boys autism is or where they fall on the spectrum, but this place has made huge steps with children your boy's age. As you may already know, early intervention is key in autism. Just a thought, you would be exposed to many families who are going through the same things you are. They are in the phone book. I highly recommend this center!
Hi Kristin... I am a Mom in the Lewiston area. There is a group around here called Mid Maine Moms that you might be interested in trying (if you don't mind the travel). You can find them easily online and I believe you can try all the events for the first month without becoming a member. Good luck :-)
