I used to be kind of embarrassed about the diagnosis. I think it goes back to the refrigerator mom thing. Don’t be!! I don’t care anymore because as the symtoms start diminishing…you know it’s not hopeless and it gives you the strength you need to be brave.
Talk to your friends, talk to your teachers. I still get a little wierd when it comes to the mom’s from Jakes “regular” school…I worry that they’re going to look at him differently or say something to their kids. But really…I’m not sure they haven’t figured it out on their own anyway.
Top people to contact:
1.) Your public school district…whether or not you have diagnosis, they will assess your child and you’ll most likely get services.
2.) Your Regional Center (or whatever it is called in other states – someone help me out here)
3.) Us!! I know it’s pretty much just me here now, but I see more guest reading these posts every day. Join me and we can figure this all out together.
4.) Seek out a DAN! Doctor or a pediatrician familiar with the biomedical treatments available for autism.