FRUSTRATED!!! | Autism PDD

The thing that usually separates high-functioning autism from Aspergers is language delay.  Presuming your son is diagnosed on the spectrum, I wouldn't spend much energy wondering about which label is the best fit.  Your child has his own unique blend of strengths and weaknesses connected with his autism, and close observation of him will get you farther than any label could.

You are clearly a terrific and devoted mom, but it sounds like you need a break.  Have you ever looked into respite care?  This would not be a selfish choice, but actually a choice that would promote your son's independence and hopefully be a fun activity that he looks forward to.

Here are some resources about respite, in case you or someone else reading this is interested:

http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com/respite.html

http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/caregiving_resources/agenc ies_and_organizations.cfm#Respite%20Resources

Good luck with everything!  I'll be thinking of you.

My son has been gaining some weight lately too. He is 6 and a half and weighs about 54 lbs. He has gross & fine motor delay and low muscle tone, so sports are pretty much impossible. He has difficulty running, kicking a ball, swinging a bat, ect.
I started him in swimming lessons, even though I was scared to death of him being in a swimming lesson class without me. I sit right on the edge of the pool and always wear my bathing suit in case they need me, but the haven't needed me at all! He did two weeks of lessons, and then he starts the next two week session tomorrow.
I have noticed he has really started to tone up a little since the swimming. He still feels "soft" on his arms and legs and not like other little boys who seem to be solid muscle compared to him. But his eating habits are very restricted and I am doing the best I can.
I worry all the time about him. I am a "plus size" mommy and I have been working on my own weight to help him see how important it is. We talk about healthy foods. I have started going for evening walks with him. He cannot keep up with me if he walks alone, but if he holds on to the side of my daughters stroller he is able to keep a very quick pace! I was very excited to discover this. It was as if he needed something to "stabilize" him. Perhaps you could go for walks and have him hold your hand or hold on to a bar that you hold in your hand if he has similiar problems?
I was a chubby kid too. It's tough. I am hopeing I can get my son's weight under control but I do not think he will ever be a "skinny" kid again because of his food sensitivities. leesita- hi I know how you feel. I am soooo frustrated and wore out. It helps to know your not alone. I am at my wits end. My ds is basicly nonverbal and has been screaming constantly and I truly cant deal with it

I did want to give you a link regarding the diagnostic criteria for Aspergers.  I hope this answers some of your questions. 

http://www.aspergers.com/aspcrit.htm

 

 

thank you so much for reaching out. All I really needed was a shoulder to lean on and a good ear

First of all I want to thank you all for sharing your stories, they are so therapeutic and if there was ever a day that I needed a pick me up today is it.

Today was just like every other Saturday. Karate in the morning, fighting to keep my patience with my son because something was not right according to him, therapy at 3, more fighting to keep my patience. Not to mention keeping him on track with his eating habits.

Ya see my little guy is 4ft2inches tall and he weighs 95 pounds. He is on abilify 7mgs and 100mgs of topamax for his weight. The topamax has not helped his appetite at all and I am at my witts end with his weight. Believe you and me, this kid eats better than me. If I put the energy into my own diet the way that I do his, I am sure I would definitely loose a few pounds.

I take him to the park 3-5 times a week, we take walks, plus he goes to karate 3 days a week. He has still managed to gain three pounds in the last 2 months.

Despite all of the social activities, he is just innactive and I realize I cannot make him interact with other kids. He just refuses. He says the kids will tease him, call him slow, or that they don't like him. None of which I have ever heard.

Whenever the kids do talk to him, he is either not paying attention to them or he just out right ignores them. On our way home from group therapy, he saw a kid from his school. In fact the kid recognized him first and spoke to him and he completely ignored him and started kicking a wall. This is a kid that he always talks about. He seems to admire this kid too.

I am just so beat up right now. I know I am doing my best but my best never seems to be enough. I feel like I am never enough for my son. I feel like no matter what I do, it is never enough. I feel like I am his entire world. It gets so frustrating when he is trying to say something to me and I don't understand and believe you and me I kill myself to make sense of what he is saying. I dread asking him to repeat things because this becomes a knock down drag out war. He completely looses it. Going to the park is supposed to be a breath of fresh air but when we go, it is him complaining that he has no one to play with. I've tried showing him how to play with the kids, standing near while he asks to play, telling him repeatedly to play, to just kicking a ball with him myself. Sometimes, he will get lucky and play with another child (rarely) but altimately, he his right by my side. He is getting to the point where he would prefer to stay in his room and watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory all day if he could. I have to force him out to get air and excercise.

This is not how I pictured my life with my son to be. I feel so cheated today by autism. God knows I love this child to death but I am just tired.

Also, how can I be sure he is not Aspergers. Several psychiatrists have said no but I wonder if they are mistaken.

 

leesita 12539277.7954166667thank you all again. Today is a little better but hearing from you all and listening to your experiences is such a great therapy for me. Again, thank you.
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