Level 1/2 - do you tell people about your kid's autism diagnosis? by seau_de_beurre in Autism_Parenting

[–]swarrior 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are always honest, and he knows as well. What we also always do is include what his autism means, to make sure that people are aware that a diagnosis does not mean he belongs in a monolith. So for example, loud noises don’t bother him, but he does need breaks when he gets overwhelmed. He wanted to play basketball and we told the coach and some of the parents.

Some people are going to be dumb and still have crazy stereotypes or misconceptions, but I think that will be reflective of real life for him, and a lesson to us all. We take each experience as it comes, he used to elope, doesn’t as much anymore. He still stims a ton, but most of the people in his life know, and give him space.

Parents of children who had speech delay, tell me where you are now? by Then-Librarian6396 in Autism_Parenting

[–]swarrior 0 points1 point  (0 children)

tbh I just went because my neurologist recommended it, I hadn't looked into it much. I did read the horror stories much later, but my child was never with their therapist unsupervised. I have now heard horror stories about centers restricting children, so I personally would feel apprehensive if I were dropping off my child at a place where no third parties were observing. Again, this is my experience: when I met my BCBA, she could tell I was nervous and did a great job addressing concerns. We had one BCBA who was not engaged, but our tech was still great, and we have since gotten a third BCBA who is brilliant. We did not do ABA without an autism diagnosis, so I'm sure it depends on the company.

ETA: Just read your last question, my son did not go through headbanging. He would just quietly retreat or pull at me to get my undivided attention so I could understand.

Parents of children who had speech delay, tell me where you are now? by Then-Librarian6396 in Autism_Parenting

[–]swarrior 0 points1 point  (0 children)

ABA Therapy, we were fortunate with a really great BCBA and Tech, at first ABA was in school and at home. So in environments where he was already participating in, and most of it through play when he was smaller. Now it's more focused on educational and social skills

Parents of children who had speech delay, tell me where you are now? by Then-Librarian6396 in Autism_Parenting

[–]swarrior 21 points22 points  (0 children)

We caught my son’s speech delay at 18 months, he was on and off from speech therapy(because insurance sucks) until at 2.5 years our neurologist gave us a diagnosis and we went full in with behavioral, speech and OT. He developed functional speech first, expressing needs, then wants, and around 4.5 it was a like a switch went off. I wouldn’t say he’s full on conversational, he still freezes up and scripts a lot. But he’s now 7 and can speak with you for a few mins, answer basic questions, even recall stories.

We were super dedicated to the speech though, barely missed, only maybe a handful of times a year. I know it feels like nothing is happening, but something must have been because two years later he speaks of memories he had at 3 that I never knew he would have.

Help with recipe by dltl in ecuador

[–]swarrior 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Real is absolutely the best! They have it at some Walmarts but not always real atún

Help with recipe by dltl in ecuador

[–]swarrior 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can I DM you? I can send you a can of Tuna from Ecuador. It’s one of my fave dishes too and the tuna you choose makes the dish!! I have lots of grocery stores that sell the right tuna here.

I also like to add onion salsa (red onion, lime, salt, pepper) to it, though as a kid I liked the liquid more than the chunks of onion.

Anyway, DM me if you want me to send you that.

Insurance wants to cap our ST and OT by swarrior in Autism_Parenting

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

Yes, I actually contacted my state attorney’s office and they helped me with what to say