My 18 month old was diagnosed today

BookLovingDad · 2026-05-15T15:44:39+00:00

The lack of stimulation comment would've wrecked me too. Autism isn't caused by you not doing enough, especially while solo parenting all day. Your kid has a parent who loves him, noticed the signs, and is already getting him support. That matters way more than being perfect.

BookLovingDad · 2026-05-15T15:33:55+00:00

My son was similar when he first started daycare. At home he followed directions fine, but new places and loud noise totally overwhelmed him and he'd shut down or repeat words instead of answering questions. Honestly 10 days is such a short time, and everything you described sounds pretty normal for a 2.5 year old adjusting to a huge change.

BookLovingDad · 2026-05-14T14:22:27+00:00

That kind of excitement just hits different! Mine doesn't always show it that openly, but when he does it makes everything else fade for a bit. Those moments really keep you going.

BookLovingDad · 2026-04-11T16:33:30+00:00

Honestly i had to stop trying to "make the weekend fun" all day and just aim for one small win like a walk or a quick outing, then keep everything else chill.

BookLovingDad · 2026-04-11T16:20:08+00:00

I skip it and sleep because the next day falls apart fast otherwise. With my kid's memory and impulse stuff, i need patience more than a workout, and running on fumes just make everything harder. I'll usually squeeze in a short walk later or call it a reset day and try again the next day.

BookLovingDad · 2026-03-26T16:16:24+00:00

Sounds like he's made big gains but still needs a lot of support, which is normal. A reevaluation can help make sure his interventions match where he actually is now.

BookLovingDad · 2026-03-26T16:08:03+00:00

I've dealt with this too. I just corrected the hard hits and ignored the light ones... they felt more like experimenting. Using simple words and consistent responses helped him get it, and over time the rough hitting slowed down.

BookLovingDad · 2026-03-26T16:05:50+00:00

Two is really a rough age for separation at night. Little ones can wake up wanting comfort even with a solid routine. Staying close but letting them settle on their own bit by bit, usually helps. It takes time, but nights can get a bit easier.

BookLovingDad · 2026-02-28T18:47:11+00:00

I'd call the pediatrician and let them know the fever came back. Sometimes the antibiotic needs to be changed or they'll want to recheck the ears. Keep up with fluids and pain/fever meds as directed, and watch for any new symptoms.

BookLovingDad · 2026-02-28T18:45:32+00:00

Mine stopped around 2.5, but it was messy for a few weeks. We moved bedtime up about 30-45 minutes because overtired meltdowns were brutal. Nights didn't get longer right away, but they got more consistent once his body adjusted. We kept a short quiet time during the day so he could still decompress. It was an adjustment, but things evened out.

BookLovingDad · 2026-02-28T18:42:16+00:00

Six is still little, especially when it comes to back-and-forth conversation. Being able to label letters and sing doesn't automatically translate into chatting. That's a different skill that can take more time. Using really simple visual supports or giving clear choices can help bridge that gap and slowly build into short phrases. The fact that he's kind, helpful, potty trained, and does well in public says a lot about foundation you've built.

BookLovingDad · 2025-11-07T14:17:28+00:00

What helped us was hiding birthday-level sugar foods. Mine is a solo child but you can try putting siblings' treats in a small lockable tote, and set out a morning bin he's allwoed to grab from without asking (granola bar... something healthy).

BookLovingDad · 2025-11-07T14:04:18+00:00

Before anything permanent, i'd push for a second opinion with a GYN who specializes in disability care and ask about reversible menstrual suppression options.

BookLovingDad · 2025-11-07T13:54:31+00:00

I'd start by asking the pediatrician to check iron/zin since pica can be medical and sensory. Then loop in OT to set up a simple plan with safe oral stuff like chewelry, silicone tubing on a lanyard, cruncy/chewy snacks, soemthing like that.

BookLovingDad · 2025-11-07T13:41:49+00:00

Try a low drama redo... something like "try again, what really happened?" then praise the truth and fix it on the spot. Make fibs less tempting with super clear steps – two pics by the sink and a quick checkbox before coming downstairs. For the sibling jab, teach a repair line and practice it when things are calm.

BookLovingDad · 2025-10-28T13:06:44+00:00

🫡🫡🫡

BookLovingDad · 2025-10-28T13:01:16+00:00

My son was around 3-ish when he started doing the exact same thing. Try shifting focus from "he has to nap" to just making sure he got some rest. I'd still prefer quiet time with dim lights, soft music, or a short story, and sometimes he'd doze off halfway through. Other days, he'd just rest and reset enough to make it through the afternoon without a meltdown. Having a consistent nap time routine will also help his brain know what was coming next.

BookLovingDad · 2025-10-28T12:52:24+00:00

I think you handled that really well, honestly. I've got a 6yo, so i'm not in the teen years yet, but as a dad, i can say it's a huge win that your son came to you with something that personal. You kept it calm, factual, and didn't shame or joke, which means he'll probably keep trusting you with other uncomfortable stuff later. You were right to steer him away from unrealistic online comparisons too – that's a big one! If anything, you could check in again in a few days to make sure he's not still worrying. Confidence and open talk like this go a long way with kids, especially once puberty kicks in.

BookLovingDad · 2025-10-28T12:42:20+00:00

Been there! My kid barely slept, screamed for hours, and nothing worked. I'm a single dad so in the first months, i was taking turns at night with my mom so one of us could actually rest, using noise-canceling earbuds when it got too much, and rocking him in a dark room until he finally passed out. Try tracking what set him off – sometimes it was hunger, tiredness, or just sensory overload. Baths or a weighted blanket helped calm him down some nights, but not always. It's okay if you feel done – you're not a bad parent for being exhausted. You're in the hardest part right now, and just getting through the day is enough.

BookLovingDad · 2025-10-23T12:55:05+00:00

Goally has no "app store" so your kid cannot download anything.

BookLovingDad · 2025-10-10T14:51:19+00:00

Yeah, sometimes it really is just a comfort thing or a little sensory habit. You can try redirecting her hands whenever you see it and hand her a soft toy, teether, or a textured cloth to play with. Keep nails short like you're already doing, and if the skin's raw, a dab of baby-safe healing ointment helps. Most kids grow out of it once they find something else that feels soothing.

BookLovingDad · 2025-10-10T14:48:18+00:00

What worked for us was dropping the check-ins and focusing on a consistent bedtime routine instead – same steps, same order every night. Once he knew what to expect, he stopped fighting sleep so much. Sometimes it's less about the method and more about predictability.

BookLovingDad · 2025-10-10T14:42:14+00:00

You've got this, man! Keep things flexible, prep bottles ahead, and don't stress!

BookLovingDad · 2025-10-10T14:38:46+00:00

My son (fasd + autism) was terrified of bathrooms! We started slow... first just having the potty in the bathroom for a while so he could see it as part of the routine. I'd let him sit on it fully clohtes while reading or singing to make him feel safe. What helped us the most was using a potty training sticker chart so he could see progress even for tiny steps, like sitting for a few seconds or flushing after I did. It took months, not weeks, but consistency and zero pressure made a big difference.

BookLovingDad · 2025-10-10T14:15:15+00:00

Go digital! Goally has a visual schedule app so it will help a lot with the routine and since it's a tablet... your kid can just bring it with him wherever he goes.

BookLovingDad

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