help, I need support, one twin is autistic

I would love to connect with some of you that have one of two autistic or autistic like children. My one twin, has been diagnosed with PDD, which is the milder form of autism, but I feel lost. Now I have one typically developing child and one with autism.

I have a ton of friends, all which have typically developing children. So this has been very hard on me. The twins are 4 and I would love to chat with someone with the same issues. I do have one great friend who lives close by who also has a son who may be autistic, so we have really bonded.

We are going through major nighttime issues and everday issues...If anyone wants to connect with me...I would be so appreciative!

Thanks!

one of my twins has pdd also and the other is developmental on target. abbi was diagnosed around 18 months. she has had speach teachers and special intructors and its really hepled. my twins are 31/2 now. if you have questions or just want to talk you can pm me.

[toonietoons]

I also have twins, one with mod/severe autism and one typical. They're now just over 2 1/2.

It's pretty tough, but that's just how it is. I remember when they were babies I thought about how neat it was going to be to see tham play together, fight with eachother, be eachothers best friend and have an unbreakable bond.
well, things don't always work out that way.
Jackson is totally non verbal and has never played with Madison. She is like his little Mommy. She KNOWS he's different, no doubt in my mind and she always has to have him near her no matter what. She's his biggest cheerleader during therapy sessions and couldn't love him more.
so although they don't have the bond I dreamed of, perhaps the one they have is greater and more special than I could have ever imagined.
Hang in there girl, they'll do fine.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

[sevenstw1]

Both of my boys were diagnosed with mild autism at the age of 2 1/2. They will be six in september and are doing great. They are going into first grade with no speech therapy and no pullout for resource. They are fully included with their peers. These are things I wasn't sure were possible when they were diagnosed.

There is a great support system on TMMB for parents of children with autism. We support each other through great, good, and bad days so feel free to post any time. We have a variety of experiences to draw from so use us all you need.

Amy

[supposedlysusan]

Originally Posted by msilve01

We are going through major nighttime issues and everday issues...If anyone wants to connect with me...I would be so appreciative!

I am familiar with this territory. (((HUGS)))
Both of my girls are on the spectrum, Abby is HFA and her twin has AS. For a long time, we thought Abby's twin was "vanilla," but obviously, that turned out to be untrue.
FWIW, Abby's initial dx was mod-severe autism. Please keep hope alive in the dynamic nature of this disorder, especially when dx'd and addressed in the very young.
Are you familiar with Sally Meyer's poetry?
Here is one of her poems:

White Picket Fences and other myths

There are days
when I feel alone
when life is so different
than I imagined.
Of course I wanted the
white picket fence,
the two kids,
and the dog.
Who doesnt?
But dreams are like that,
they disapear
in the morning of life,
and we wake
to reality.
with a thump
as we fall out of our
bed of roses.
Is it silly to still dream?
is it naive
to ponder?
I sit sometimes on my porch
when the house is
still, reflecting on these
last few years,
when that little boy
wandered into our lives.
Oh how he wanders!
like a pixie, an elf,
a wonderful little creature
who fascinates and
terrifies us all.
Who can know him?
does he know
himself?
Who is he, and where is the key
to unlock,
to discover, to hold, and to find?
Oh yes, I wanted it all
back then,
before he came,
didn't realize that his coming
would change me so,
that a small boy
could work his way into my heart,
twisting it somewhat
tearing it sometimes,
but finding his place, nonetheless.
And I still can dream,
despite the sadness,
in spite of the pain,
I dream in color now,
back then
it was all black
and white
picket fences.

copyright. 1999. Sally Meyer

I really appreciate her view on autism:

Autism is not the end of the world. . . . just
the beginning of a new one.

You are definately not alone. There are several of us at this board. I hope that you'll reach out to us whenever and for anything: Hugs, a kind ear, encouragement, and to brag too. I promise, you will have reason to brag and I promise that we will be hear to celebrate with ya'll.

[SouthernBelle]

Susan, that poem has me in tears....very beautiful


My dd was also just recently diagnosed with PDD-NOS...It seems as though we have been through he!! and back, but I wouldn't trade anything for the beautiful daughter that I have...She is so very precious to us and the extra hard work that comes daily is well worth it!! I know what you are going through, hang in there! ((hugs))