Anyone shelter their child too much? | Autism PDD
My son was officially diagnosed 8 months ago. He's 5 years old. Anyway, my question is why do I keep sheltering him? When I see him struggling in a situation I always get him out of it. I know the best thing for me to do is expose him to situations that he's not comfortable with, but it is so difficult for me to do.
An example is being out in the neighborhood with NT kids. It's the best thing for him, but it is so hard for me to see him not participating and not acting like a "typical" kid. He loves other kids, but sometimes gets caught up stimming and his language is very delayed so unless I'm leading him to play with the other kids it doesn't happen.
He's about to start ABA/RDI therapy next week. We're having home visits and he's going to summer camp from 9-12 and then staying at summer camp from 12-2:30 for more 1 on 1 ABA. I'm having such a hard time agreeing to let him go somewhere for that long (9-2:30). I know it will be good for him because we're trying to get him prepared for Kindergarten, but I have such a hard time letting him go.
Anyone else have this problem? I guess I'm having a hard time realizing that he's about to face the real world and I'm scared what lies ahead. How do you get over this?
I joke that my hubby would put Lucas in bubble wrap if we could!
It is hard to let go- my son started Mothers Day Out at church from 9-230 two days a week a few weeks ago and I am still adjusting. It is SO nice to have a break and I know he is safe, but I still have to pick him up daily at 1230 since he has ABA at 100 after MDO. Anyway, I know it is the best thing for him to be around NT kids and I feel that he will learn more social behaviors that are appropriate from them. He will start PPCD, early childhood program for special needs in our school district, this coming January from 830-230 and I am already dreading that. I think it is helpful to have them in some sort of program away from home before school starts- it is a nice transistion for you both. I think your son will be fine- although I do think being gone from 9-230 may be a long tiring period for him at first. Just know that he may have alterations in sleep patterns, eating, etc.- but it will all smooth out after the adjustment occurs. Best wishes- hang in there
I think I honestly felt that way with all my children! It's hard letting go! And especially when they are special needs! I don't think it's nescarilly a bad thing just as long as we don't prevent them from the things they truly need. You are having a hard time, but you are still allowing...that is probably the only thing you can do...I don't know if you ever really get over it! I still hover over my 13 yr old! Maybe someone else will have more advice, but I just wanted you to know you definitely aren't alone! Guilty as charged.....although I'm getting better. It was really hard not to "hold on tight" when he was younger and seemed to be struggling with understanding the world around him. I had this huge mother bear protective instinct I was constantly battling. It's getting easier now that he's older, and he's becoming so much more independent. He seems much more up for the challenges and able to handle disappointment, etc better. It's still hard, though. I had Sarah in a preschool class with our paid therapists to shadow her..the next year we faded her out because she was doing so well...I hid outside the room the whole week to spy on her
She surprised me doing so well...I never thought she could make it through the day much less a whole year but she did.. Best of luck:) 
I'm hoiping when they get older I will find myself backing off more, we will see.Thanks for everyone's responses. They've made me feel much better. My husband says I'm way too protective, but I just can't help it. It's sooo hard to see him struggle, and I don't want anyone to make fun of him (I know that's not very realistic). Thanks again for understanding. It's so nice to know I'm not alone I'm just terrible about this, too! When I DO mamage to give him some space
to explore an uncomfortable situation, I feel so guilty...
Also, Jasper is so panicky and anxious. Part of the problem is that I'm
always on alert for a panic attack, or a mini melt-down. He also has
separation anxiety, so I have gotten used to him following me around the
house and generally clinging to me---I think I might be losing perspective
when it comes to "space" 
I worry and am watchful, but IMHO, his Dad is downright FEARFUL and wildly
overprotective, which I hope not to become.
you are certainly not alone!
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