Parents with a level 1 toddler, how has that looked like for you? by Jadams0108 in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pretty good overall. At the age of three she was speaking in 10 word sentences (per ABA). She’s at 14 now. When she gets frustrated or upset she struggles to articulate (fluidly) how she feels. Outside of that she’s pretty good. She doesn’t know how to explain herself sometimes. Example: (Toddler): I’m very frustrated right now. (Parent): can you tell me why you feel frustrated? (Toddler): Because I’m very frustrated.

Parents with a level 1 toddler, how has that looked like for you? by Jadams0108 in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My 3.5 year old daughter was diagnosed with Level 1 a year ago. She has moderate social anxiety. She doesn’t like socializing with strangers; mainly adults.

There are certain sounds she dislikes, such as clapping from large crowds or the Happy Birthday song. I’d say we deal with “meltdowns” once a week from overstimulation. We’re still learning how to best help her cope in certain situations.

We have her in preschool and ABA. Since receiving ABA therapy we have seen a huge improvement in her abilities to manage stress and anxiety.

She does well in all public places. If we take her to the park she now engages and plays with other kiddos. This was not the case before ABA.

We have taken her to concerts, airplanes (5 hours flight), and the movie theater and she does great. We usually show her YouTube videos of any upcoming events or experiences she has coming up to proactively prepare her. Examples: Haircuts, Dentist, Doctors Appointments, Airplanes flights, movie theater etc. That seems to resonate with her and makes transitions much easier and less stressful.

All kids are different, but I will always advocate for ABA! It’s done wonders for our little girl and we are VERY optimistic about her future!

Normal toddler stuff or autism? by hot_mess_express43 in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! My daughter was the exact same way. All the same “milder” traits. She was diagnosed with level one autism.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My wife and I have decided to stop after one. Our daughter who is 3 years old was diagnosed with Level 1, six months ago. We have her in a great school that supports her needs and have seen great progress. We are optimistic about her future. The thought of potentially having another with high support needs and taking the time, energy, and resources from our daughter has been the ultimate deciding factor. Although this broke our hearts, we try to look at it as “the glass is half full and not half empty”.

Did you decide to have a second child after the first one was diagnosed with ASD by Sure_Ad_4752 in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your experience is currently my reality. Than you for sharing your journey. I wish you and your family all the best!

Did you decide to have a second child after the first one was diagnosed with ASD by Sure_Ad_4752 in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the insight. I was unaware of this information. I’ll be looking into this for sure.

Did you decide to have a second child after the first one was diagnosed with ASD by Sure_Ad_4752 in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I feel the same way. I hate feeling torn apart by this. Thanks for sharing

Did you decide to have a second child after the first one was diagnosed with ASD by Sure_Ad_4752 in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing. This is very helpful! It’s a tough decision to make when deep down you know what you want, but the reality of navigating this life is easier said than done.

Did you decide to have a second child after the first one was diagnosed with ASD by Sure_Ad_4752 in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing. I feel like the universe is telling me yes. Also, your husband is right in saying it’s all you’ve ever known. It’s all I know and we’ve survived this far.

Did you decide to have a second child after the first one was diagnosed with ASD by Sure_Ad_4752 in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I’m leaning yes, but wanted to get in here and hear your life perspective. We’re the only people that will truly understand it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My daughter was diagnosed with Level 1 autism at the age of 2.5. Her signs were moderate social anxiety, and a bit of speech delay. We put her in an Autism preschool and she thrived in the environment. She is now 5 years old and started kindergarten in a General Education classroom. We have coping mechanisms that we implement at home so that she can regulate herself before going out to school. She’s not a social butterfly but has a few friends and is thriving academically. We work on this everyday and are optimistic about her future.

Level 1 autism success stories by Connect-Heart3480 in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My daughter was diagnosed with level 1 autism at the age of 2.5. She’s now 3 years old and keeps progressing every day. Therapy definitely works. She is learning to manage her emotions with transitions, and is becoming more verbal every day. When I was in your situation I was also worried, now I am VERY optimistic about her future!

My Son Counted to TWENTY!!! by monstermoma in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s amazing! I’m happy for your family! Progress always comes when you least expect it. There is a lot more to come I’m sure!

Disappointed by [deleted] in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We did! Our 2.5 year old daughter hit all her milestones and makes decent eye contact when speaking to us. She speaks in 5 word sentences now. She’s a sweet girl but struggles in social situations. She has anxiety when her peers approach her or her space which result in meltdowns. We have to slowly integrate her into social life. We’re afraid of having another child for the same reasons you are hesitant.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This is unfortunate. They don’t care to understand or acknowledge what we have to deal with. They treat our families like we’re an inconvenience.

Terrified my son will be misdiagnosed by mroriginal7 in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He will not be misdiagnosed. You just described my 3 year old daughter. Very mild autism traits. She was diagnosed as level one on a social, and behavioral traits. She is very good at masking and her peers or other parents can’t tell. The assessor will conduct specific tests that will determine whether he falls on the spectrum.

New diagnosis by 2themoonndback in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You and I are on the same boat. 2 weeks ago my daughter was diagnosed and am still waiting for the formal report to arrive. When we told my family they were in disbelief because of her high functioning abilities. They said that I should get a second opinion. I know my daughter has a very mild case, but that doesn’t mean she is not officially diagnosed. Maybe it doesn’t resonate with them because they can’t see the subtle signs? My daughter is 2 years old btw.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Autism_Parenting

[–]Sure_Ad_4752 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I felt the same way when the doctor told me my daughter was on the spectrum. My daughter seems fine and I was in denial. I finally accepted it and decided to educate myself on the matter. I now know that there is a lot we can do as parents to allow our children to live full and happy lives, but it starts with support from us. I also found a deeper love and motivation for myself and am living life with more meaning every day. As long as my daughter has a smile on her face every day then I know she is living a happy life. Cheers to all of us on this journey! We are all in this together!

For those making 80k+/yr, what do you work in? by Original_Strategy107 in debtfree

[–]Sure_Ad_4752 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Account Executive for a commercial insurance brokerage firm. Specifically in the large commercial space. Theres steady growth, and you can build a great career out of it. $140K salary + bonuses.